Modified block copolymer

ABSTRACT

A second-order modified block copolymer which can be obtained by reacting a first-order modified block copolymer with a second-order modifier, wherein the first-order modified block copolymer comprises a base block copolymer and a functional group-containing first-order modifier group bonded to the base block copolymer, wherein the base block copolymer comprises at least one polymer block comprised mainly of vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer units and at least one polymer block comprised mainly of conjugated diene monomer units, and wherein the second-order modifier has a specific functional group which is reactive to the functional group of the first-order modifier group of the first-order modified block copolymer. A second-order modified block copolymer-containing polymer composition comprising the second-order modified block copolymer as well as a thermoplastic resin and/or a rubbery polymer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a modified block copolymer whichcan be advantageously used for producing a polymer composition whichexhibits an excellent balance of stiffness and impact resistance. Moreparticularly, the present invention is concerned with a modified blockcopolymer (which is hereinafter frequently referred to as “second-ordermodified block copolymer”) which can be obtained by reacting asemimodified (i.e., first-order modified) block copolymer with asecond-order modifier having a specific functional group, wherein thesemimodified block copolymer comprises a base block copolymer and afunctional group-containing first-order modifier group bonded to thebase block copolymer, wherein the base block copolymer comprises atleast one polymer block comprised mainly of vinyl aromatic hydrocarbonmonomer units and at least one polymer block comprised mainly ofconjugated diene monomer units. Further, the present invention is alsoconcerned with a second-order modified block copolymer-containingpolymer composition which is obtained by adding the above-mentionedsecond-order modified block copolymer (i.e., modified block copolymer)to a thermoplastic resin and/or a rubbery polymer. The second-ordermodified block copolymer-containing polymer composition exhibits anexcellent balance of stiffness and impact resistance. By injectionmolding, extrusion molding or the like, this polymer compositioncontaining the second-order modified block copolymer of the presentinvention can be shaped into various shaped articles. The shapedarticles can be advantageously used in various fields, such as thefields of automobile parts (interior and exterior parts forautomobiles), various containers (such as food packaging), parts forhousehold electrical appliances, parts for medical equipments,industrial parts, toys and the like.

[0003] Furthermore, the present invention is also concerned with apolymer composition comprising the above-mentioned first-order modifiedblock copolymer (i.e., semimodified block copolymer), a thermoplasticresin and/or a rubbery polymer, and the above-mentioned second-ordermodifier. Also by melt-kneading this polymer composition, theabove-mentioned second-order modified block copolymer-containing polymercomposition can be obtained.

[0004] 2. Prior Art

[0005] In the fields of sheets, films and other shaped articles whichare produced from polymeric materials, there have been made a number ofproposals in which there is used a polymer composition or laminatecomprising a plurality of types of polymeric materials in order toobtain advantages in that a satisfactory strength is imparted to thesheets, films or the like, or the processability of the sheets, films orthe like is improved, or the production cost of the sheets, films or thelike is reduced. However, when producing a polymer composition by mixingdifferent polymeric materials together, the number of combinations ofdifferent polymeric materials which exhibit good compatibility with eachother, is limited. In the case of a polymer composition comprisingdifferent polymeric materials which exhibit poor compatibility with eachother, a problem is likely to arise in that, due to the poorcompatibility, the composition becomes non-homogeneous, and adelamination occurs between layers of different polymeric materials,thus rendering it impossible to obtain a satisfactory improving effectaimed at by using a combination of different polymeric materials.

[0006] It is well known that, as a polymeric material for obtaining acomposition having excellent properties, there are used astyrene-butadiene block copolymer or a hydrogenation product thereof,and a styrene-isoprene block copolymer or a hydrogenation productthereof. However, since these block copolymers have poor compatibilitywith polymers having a polar functional group, such as polyamide,polyester and polyurethane, there cannot be obtained a satisfactoryimproving effect aimed at by using these block copolymers, and hence auseful composition cannot be obtained.

[0007] Various proposals have been made for improving the compatibilitybetween a polymer having a polar functional group and a block copolymerselected from the group consisting of a styrene-butadiene blockcopolymer, a hydrogenation product thereof, a styrene-isoprene blockcopolymer and a hydrogenation product thereof. For example, ExaminedJapanese Patent Application Publication No. Hei 4-39495 (correspondingto U.S. Pat. No. 5,332,784) discloses a composition comprising a blockcopolymer having a modified terminal group and a thermoplastic resin.Unexamined Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Specification No. Hei7-173390 discloses a composition comprising a polyamide resin, a graftcopolymer comprising a hydrogenated block copolymer having a polyamidegrafted thereon, and a hydrogenated block copolymer having bondedthereto a specific amount of an unsaturated carboxylic acid or aderivative thereof. Unexamined Japanese Patent Application Laid-OpenSpecification No. 2000-219800 discloses a composition comprising apolyester resin, a polyamide resin and an epoxidized block copolymer.Unexamined Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Specification No.2001-55492 discloses a composition comprising a polyester resin, anepoxidized block copolymer, a multifunctional compound and apolyether-ester elastomer.

[0008] On the other hand, as a method for producing a block copolymerhaving a functional group, Unexamined Japanese Patent ApplicationLaid-Open Specification No. Sho 59-98106 (corresponding to U.S. Pat. No.4,465,809) discloses a method for producing a carboxyl group-containingpolymer, in which a polymer-alkali metal composition is contacted withan epoxy compound, and the resultant product is directly contacted witha cyclic, acid anhydride, thereby obtaining a carboxyl group-containingpolymer. However, such carboxyl group-containing polymer (which has aterminal epoxy compound residue having bonded thereto a cyclic, acidanhydride residue) has poor affinity to a thermoplastic resin and/or arubbery polymer, an inorganic filler, and the like.

[0009] Unexamined Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open SpecificationNo. Sho 63-238107 (corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 4,972,023) discloses apolymer which is modified with a terminal acid group (or a salt thereof)which is bonded to the polymer through an acid amido group, anddiscloses a method for producing the modified polymer as well asapplications for the modified polymer. This modified polymer is obtainedby a method in which the modification is performed using1,5-diaza-bicylo[3.1.0]-hexane and a derivative thereof and a Schiffbase derived from an aliphatic or aromatic amine and aldehiyde. Themodified polymer (which is modified with a terminal acid group (or asalt thereof) which is bonded to the polymer through an acid amidogroup) has poor affinity to a thermoplastic resin and/or a rubberypolymer, an inorganic filler, and the like.

[0010] Thus, in the prior art, no composition has been obtained, whichcomprises a block copolymer comprised of vinyl aromatic hydrocarbonmonomer units and conjugated diene monomer units, and a thermoplasticresin and/or a rubbery polymer and which exhibits an excellent balanceof stiffness and impact resistance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] In this situation, the present inventors have made extensive andintensive studies with a view toward solving the above-mentionedproblems accompanying the prior art. More specifically stated, studieshave been made for improving the properties of a composition whichcomprises a block copolymer comprised of vinyl aromatic hydrocarbonmonomer units and conjugated diene monomer units, and a thermoplasticresin and/or a rubbery polymer. As a result, it has unexpectedly beenfound that a second-order modified block copolymer can be obtained byreacting a first-order modified block copolymer with a second-ordermodifier, wherein the first-order modified block copolymer comprises abase block copolymer and a functional group-containing first-ordermodifier group bonded to the base block copolymer, wherein the baseblock copolymer comprises at least one polymer block comprised mainly ofvinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer units and at least one polymer blockcomprised mainly of conjugated diene monomer units, and wherein thesecond-order modifier has a specific functional group which is reactiveto the functional group of the first-order modifier group of thefirst-order modified block copolymer. By mixing the obtainedsecond-order modified block copolymer with a thermoplastic resin and/ora rubbery polymer, there can be obtained a second-order modified blockcopolymer-containing polymer composition which exhibits an excellentbalance of stiffness and impact resistance. It has also been found thata second-order modified block copolymer-containing polymer compositionexhibiting an excellent balance of stiffness and impact resistance, canalternatively be obtained by melt-kneading a polymer compositioncomprising the above-mentioned first-order modified block copolymer, athermoplastic resin and/or a rubbery polymer, and the above-mentionedsecond-order modifier. It has also been found that, by mixing thesecond-order modified block copolymer with an appropriate componentselected from various components, such as an inorganic filler, atackifier, and an asphalt, there can be obtained a polymer compositionhaving excellent properties suitable for various application fields,depending on the selected component. Based on these findings, thepresent invention has been completed.

[0012] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to providethe above-mentioned second-order modified block copolymer which isadvantageous in that, by mixing it with a thermoplastic resin and/or arubbery polymer, there can be obtained a second-order modified blockcopolymer-containing polymer composition which exhibits an excellentbalance of stiffness and impact resistance.

[0013] It is another object of the present invention to provide apolymer composition having excellent properties, which can be obtainedby mixing the above-mentioned second-order modified block copolymer withan appropriate component selected from various components, such as aninorganic filler, a tackifier, and an asphalt.

[0014] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of thepresent invention will be apparent from the following detaileddescription and the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided amodified block copolymer comprising:

[0016] a base block copolymer comprising at least one polymer block (A)comprised mainly of vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer units and atleast one polymer block (B) comprised mainly of conjugated diene monomerunits, the amounts of the vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer units andthe conjugated diene monomer units in the base block copolymer being,respectively, 5 to 95% by weight and 95 to 5% by weight, based on thetotal weight of the vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer units and theconjugated diene monomer units, and

[0017] a functional group-containing modifier group bonded to the baseblock copolymer,

[0018] the base block copolymer being unhydrogenated or at leastpartially hydrogenated,

[0019] wherein the modified block copolymer is represented by a formulaselected from the group consisting of the following formulae (1) to (5):

 C¹—NR³-D¹,  (3)

C¹-D¹, and  (4)

E¹-F¹  (5)

[0020] wherein:

[0021] A¹ represents a unit which is represented by any one of thefollowing formulae (a) and (b):

[0022] B¹ represents a unit which is represented by any one of thefollowing formulae (c) to (e):

[0023] C¹ represents a unit which is represented by any one of thefollowing formulae (f) to (h):

[0024] D¹ represents a unit which is represented by the followingformula (i):

—R⁸—NR³—X¹,  (i)

[0025] E¹ represents a unit which is represented by the followingformula (j):

—R⁹—P¹, and  (j)

[0026] F¹ represents a unit which is represented by any one of thefollowing formulae (k) to (m):

[0027] wherein:

[0028] X¹ represents a unit which is represented by any one of thefollowing formulae (n) to (s):

[0029] wherein, in the formulae (1) to (3) and (a) to (s):

[0030] N represents a nitrogen atom, Si represents a silicon atom, Orepresents an oxygen atom, C represents a carbon atom, and H representsa hydrogen atom,

[0031] P¹ represents the base block copolymer,

[0032] R^(1a) represents a trivalent aliphatic C₁-C₄₈ hydrocarbon group,

[0033] each of R^(1b), R⁴, R⁸ to R¹⁰ and R¹³ to R²⁰ independentlyrepresents a C₁-C₄₈ alkylene group,

[0034] each of R², R³ and R¹¹ independently represents a C₁-C₄₈ alkylgroup, a C₆-C₄₈ aryl group, an alkylaryl group comprised of C₁-C₄₈ alkyland C₆-C₄₈ aryl, an aralkyl group comprised of C₁-C₄₈ alkyl and C₆-C₄₈aryl, or a C₃-C₄₈ cycloalkyl group,

[0035] wherein each of R^(1a), R^(1b), R³, R⁴, R⁸ to R¹⁰, R¹³ to R¹⁵ andR¹⁷ to R²⁰ optionally independently has at least one functional groupselected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, an epoxy group,an amino group, a silanol group and a C₁-C₂₄ alkoxysilane group,

[0036] each of R⁵ to R⁷ and R¹² independently represents a hydrogenatom, a C₁-C₄₈ alkyl group, a C₆-C₄₈ aryl group, an alkylaryl groupcomprised of C₁-C₄₈ alkyl and C₆-C₄₈ aryl, an aralkyl group comprised ofC₁-C₄₈ alkyl and C₆-C₄₈ aryl, or a C₃-C₄₈ cycloalkyl group,

[0037] wherein each of R^(1a), R^(1b), R² to R⁴ and R⁸ to R²⁰ optionallyindependently has bonded thereto at least one atom selected from thegroup consisting of an oxygen atom, a nitrogen atom, a sulfur atom, anda silicon atom, the at least one atom being bonded in a form other thana hydroxyl group, an epoxy group, an amino group, a silanol group and analkoxysilane group, and

[0038] each of t, u, v and x is independently an integer of 0 or more,provided that both t and u are not simultaneously 0, and each of w, y, zand a is independently an integer of 1 or more.

[0039] For easy understanding of the present invention, the essentialfeatures and various preferred embodiments of the present invention areenumerated below.

[0040] 1. A modified block copolymer comprising:

[0041] a base block copolymer comprising at least one polymer block (A)comprised mainly of vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer units and atleast one polymer block (B) comprised mainly of conjugated diene monomerunits, the amounts of the vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer units andthe conjugated diene monomer units in the base block copolymer being,respectively, 5 to 95% by weight and 95 to 5% by weight, based on thetotal weight of the vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer units and theconjugated diene monomer units, and

[0042] a functional group-containing modifier group bonded to the baseblock copolymer,

[0043] the base block copolymer being unhydrogenated or at leastpartially hydrogenated,

[0044] wherein the modified block copolymer is represented by a formulaselected from the group consisting of the following formulae (1) to (5):

 C¹—NR³-D¹,  (3)

C¹-D¹, and  (4)

E¹-F¹  (5)

[0045] wherein:

[0046] A¹ represents a unit which is represented by any one of thefollowing formulae (a) and (b):

[0047] B¹ represents a unit which is represented by any one of thefollowing formulae (c) to (e):

[0048] C¹ represents a unit which is represented by any one of thefollowing formulae (f) to (h):

[0049] D¹ represents a unit which is represented by the followingformula (i):

—R⁸—NR³—X¹,  (i)

[0050] E¹ represents a unit which is represented by the followingformula (j):

—R⁹—P¹, and  (j)

[0051] F¹ represents a unit which is represented by any one of thefollowing formulae (k) to (m):

[0052] wherein:

[0053] X¹ represents a unit which is represented by any one of thefollowing formulae (n) to (s):

[0054] wherein, in the formulae (1) to (3) and (a) to (s):

[0055] N represents a nitrogen atom, Si represents a silicon atom, Orepresents an oxygen atom, C represents a carbon atom, and H representsa hydrogen atom,

[0056] P¹ represents the base block copolymer,

[0057] R^(1a) represents a trivalent aliphatic C₁-C₄₈ hydrocarbon group,

[0058] each of R^(1b), R⁴, R⁸ to R¹⁰ and R¹³ to R²⁰ independentlyrepresents a C₁-C₄₈ alkylene group,

[0059] each of R², R³ and R¹¹ independently represents a C₁-C₄₈ alkylgroup, a C₆-C₄₈ aryl group, an alkylaryl group comprised of C₁-C₄₈ alkyland C₆-C₄₈ aryl, an aralkyl group comprised of C₁-C₄₈ alkyl and C₆-C₄₈aryl, or a C₃-C₄₈ cycloalkyl group,

[0060] wherein each of R^(1a), R^(1b), R³, R⁴, R⁸ to R¹⁰, R¹³ to R¹⁵ andR¹⁷ to R²⁰ optionally independently has at least one functional groupselected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, an epoxy group,an amino group, a silanol group and a C₁-C₂₄ alkoxysilane group,

[0061] each of R⁵ to R⁷ and R¹² independently represents a hydrogenatom, a C₁-C₄₈ alkyl group, a C₆-C₄₈ aryl group, an alkylaryl groupcomprised of C₁-C₄₈ alkyl and C₆-C₄₈ aryl, an aralkyl group comprised ofC₁-C₄₈ alkyl and C₆-C₄₈ aryl, or a C₃-C₄₈ cycloalkyl group,

[0062] wherein each of R^(1a), R^(1b), R² to R⁴ and R⁸ to R²⁰ optionallyindependently has bonded thereto at least one atom selected from thegroup consisting of an oxygen atom, a nitrogen atom, a sulfur atom, anda silicon atom, the at least one atom being bonded in a form other thana hydroxyl group, an epoxy group, an amino group, a silanol group and analkoxysilane group, and

[0063] each of t, u, v and x is independently an integer of 0 or more,provided that both t and u are not simultaneously 0, and each of w, y, zand a is independently an integer of 1 or more.

[0064] 2. The modified block copolymer according to item 1 above, whichis represented by the formula (1).

[0065] 3. The modified block copolymer according to item 1 above, whichis represented by the formula (2).

[0066] 4. The modified block copolymer according to item 1 above, whichis represented by the formula (3).

[0067] 5. The modified block copolymer according to item 1 above, whichis represented by the formula (4).

[0068] 6. The modified block copolymer according to item 1 above, whichis represented by the formula (5).

[0069] 7. A polymer composition comprising:

[0070] 1 to 99% by weight, based on the total weight of components (I)and (II), of (I) the modified block copolymer of any one of items 1 to 6above, and

[0071] 99 to 1% by weight, based on the total weight of components (I)and (II), of (II) at least one polymer selected from the groupconsisting of a thermoplastic resin and a rubbery polymer.

[0072] 8. The polymer composition according to item 7 above, wherein thethermoplastic resin in component (II) is a functional group-containingthermoplastic resin and the rubbery polymer in component (II) is afunctional group-containing rubbery polymer.

[0073] 9. The polymer composition according to item 8 above, wherein:

[0074] the functional group-containing thermoplastic resin comprises atleast one member selected from the group consisting of a polyesterresin, a polyamide resin, a polycarbonate resin, a polyurethane resin, apolyphenylene ether resin and a polyoxymethylene resin, and

[0075] the functional group-containing rubbery polymer comprises atleast one member selected from the group consisting of an olefinelastomer and a styrene elastomer each of which contains at least onefunctional group selected from the group consisting of an acid anhydridegroup, a carboxyl group, a hydroxyl group, an epoxy group and an aminogroup.

[0076] 10. A polymer composition comprising:

[0077] 1 to 99% by weight, based on the total weight of components (I-1)and (II), of (I-1) a semimodified block copolymer comprising:

[0078] a base block copolymer comprising at least one polymer block (A)comprised mainly of vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer units and atleast one polymer block (B) comprised mainly of conjugated diene monomerunits, the amounts of the vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer units andthe conjugated diene monomer units in the base block copolymer being,respectively, 5 to 95% by weight and 95 to 5% by weight, based on thetotal weight of the vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer units and theconjugated diene monomer units, and

[0079] a functional group-containing first-order modifier group bondedto the base block copolymer,

[0080] the base block copolymer being unhydrogenated or at leastpartially hydrogenated,

[0081] wherein the semimodified block copolymer (I-1) is represented bya formula selected from the group consisting of the below-mentionedformulae (6) to (10),

[0082] 99 to 1% by weight, based on the total weight of components (I-1)and (II), of (II) at least one polymer selected from the groupconsisting of a thermoplastic resin and a rubbery polymer, and

[0083] 0.01 to 20 parts by weight, relative to 100 parts by weight ofthe total of components (I-1) and (II), of (III) a second-order modifierhaving a functional group which is reactive to the functional group ofthe first-order modifier group of the semimodified block copolymer(I-1),

 C²—NR³-D²,  (8)

C²-D², and  (9)

E²-F²  (10)

[0084] wherein:

[0085] A² represents a unit which is represented by any one of thefollowing formulae (a-1) and (b-1):

[0086] B² represents a unit which is represented by the followingformula (c-1):

[0087] C² represents a unit which is represented by any one of thefollowing formulae (d-1) and (e-1):

[0088] D² represents a unit which is represented by the followingformula (f-1):

—R⁸—NHR³,  (f-1)

[0089] E² represents a unit which is represented by the followingformula (g-1):

—R⁹—P¹, and  (g-1)

[0090] F² represents a unit which is represented by any one of thefollowing formulae (h-1) to (j-1):

—NH—R¹⁰—Si(OR¹¹)₃,  (h-1)

[0091] wherein, in the formulae (6) to (8) and (a-1) to (j-1):

[0092] N represents a nitrogen atom, Si represents a silicon atom, Orepresents an oxygen atom, C represents a carbon atom, and H representsa hydrogen atom,

[0093] P¹ represents the base block copolymer,

[0094] R^(1a) represents a trivalent aliphatic C₁-C₄₈ hydrocarbon group,

[0095] each of R^(1b), R⁴, R⁸ to R¹⁰ and R¹³ to R²⁰ independentlyrepresents a C₁-C₄₈ alkylene group,

[0096] each of R², R³ and R¹¹ independently represents a C₁-C₄₈ alkylgroup, a C₆-C₄₈ aryl group, an alkylaryl group comprised of C₁-C₄₈ alkyland C₆-C₄₈ aryl, an aralkyl group comprised of C₁-C₄₈ alkyl and C₆-C₄₈aryl, or a C₃-C₄₈ cycloalkyl group,

[0097] wherein each of R^(1a), R^(1b), R³, R⁴, R⁸ to R¹⁰ and R¹³ to R¹⁵optionally independently has at least one functional group selected fromthe group consisting of a hydroxyl group, an epoxy group, an aminogroup, a silanol group and a C₁-C₂₄ alkoxysilane group,

[0098] each of R⁵ to R⁷ and R¹² independently represents a hydrogenatom, a C₁-C₄₈ alkyl group, a C₆-C₄₈ aryl group, an alkylaryl groupcomprised of C₁-C₄₈ alkyl and C₆-C₄₈ aryl, an aralkyl group comprised ofC₁-C₄₈ alkyl and C₆-C₄₈ aryl, or a C₃-C₄₈ cycloalkyl group,

[0099] wherein each of R^(1a), R^(1b), R² to R⁴ and R⁸ to R¹⁵ optionallyindependently has bonded thereto at least one atom selected from thegroup consisting of an oxygen atom, a nitrogen atom, a sulfur atom and asilicon atom, the at least one atom being bonded in a form other than ahydroxyl group, an epoxy group, an amino group, a silanol group and analkoxysilane group, and

[0100] each of t, u, v and x is independently an integer of 0 or more,provided that both t and u are not simultaneously 0, and w is an integerof 1 or more.

[0101] 11. The polymer composition according to item 10 above, whereinthe thermoplastic resin in component (II) is a functionalgroup-containing thermoplastic resin and the rubbery polymer incomponent (II) is a functional group-containing rubbery polymer.

[0102] 12. The polymer composition according to item 11 above, wherein:

[0103] the functional group-containing thermoplastic resin comprises atleast one member selected from the group consisting of a polyesterresin, a polyamide resin, a polycarbonate resin, a polyurethane resin, apolyphenylene ether resin and a polyoxymethylene resin, and

[0104] the functional group-containing rubbery polymer comprises atleast one member selected from the group consisting of an olefinelastomer and a styrene elastomer each of which contains at least onefunctional group selected from the group consisting of an acid anhydridegroup, a carboxyl group, a hydroxyl group, an epoxy group and an aminogroup.

[0105] 13. The polymer composition according to item 11 or 12 above,wherein the functional group of the second-order modifier (III) isreactive to both the functional group of the first-order modifier groupof the semimodified block copolymer (I-1) and the functional group ofthe component (II).

[0106] 14. The polymer composition according to any one of items 10 to13 above, wherein the functional group of the second-order modifier(III) comprises at least one member selected from the group consistingof a carboxyl group, an acid anhydride group, an isocyanate group, anepoxy group and an alkoxysilane group.

[0107] 15. A flame retardant polymer composition comprising:

[0108] 100 parts by weight of (I) the modified block copolymer of anyone of items 1 to 6 above,

[0109] 10 to 2000 parts by weight of (VI) an inorganic filler, and

[0110] 0 to 1000 parts by weight of an olefin polymer.

[0111] 16. A flame retardant polymer composition comprising:

[0112] 100 parts by weight of the polymer composition of item 7 above,and

[0113] 10 to 2000 parts by weight of (VI) an inorganic filler.

[0114] 17. A flame retardant polymer composition comprising:

[0115] 100 parts by weight of the polymer composition of item 10 above,and

[0116] 10 to 2000 parts by weight of (VI) an inorganic filler.

[0117] 18. A crosslinked product obtained by subjecting a crosslinkablematerial to melt-kneading in the presence of a vulcanizing agent,

[0118] the crosslinkable material comprising:

[0119] 10 to 100% by weight, based on the total weight of components (I)and (II), of (I) the modified block copolymer of any one of items 1 to 6above, and

[0120] 90 to 0% by weight, based on the total weight of components (I)and (II), of (II) at least one polymer selected from the groupconsisting of a thermoplastic resin and a rubbery polymer.

[0121] 19. A crosslinked product obtained by subjecting the polymercomposition of item 10 above to melt-kneading in the presence of avulcanizing agent.

[0122] 20. An adhesive composition comprising:

[0123] 100 parts by weight of (I) the modified block copolymer of anyone of items 1 to 6 above, and

[0124] 20 to 400 parts by weight of (VIII) a tackifier.

[0125] 21. An adhesive composition comprising:

[0126] 100 parts by weight of (I-1) a semimodified block copolymercomprising:

[0127] a base block copolymer comprising at least one polymer block (A)comprised mainly of vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer units and atleast one polymer block (B) comprised mainly of conjugated diene monomerunits, the amounts of the vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer units andthe conjugated diene monomer units in the base block copolymer being,respectively, 5 to 95% by weight and 95 to 5% by weight, based on thetotal weight of the vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer units and theconjugated diene monomer units, and

[0128] a functional group-containing first-order modifier group bondedto the base block copolymer,

[0129] the base block copolymer being unhydrogenated or at leastpartially hydrogenated,

[0130] wherein the semimodified block copolymer (I-1) is represented bya formula selected from the group consisting of the below-mentionedformulae (6) to (10),

[0131] 20 to 400 parts by weight of (VIII) a tackifier, and

[0132] 0.01 to 20 parts by weight of (III) a second-order modifierhaving a functional group which is reactive to the functional group ofthe first-order modifier group of the semimodified block copolymer(I-1),

 C²—NR³-D²,  (8)

C²-D², and  (9)

E²-F²  (10)

[0133] wherein:

[0134] A² represents a unit which is represented by any one of thefollowing formulae (a-1) and (b-1):

[0135] B² represents a unit which is represented by the followingformula (c-1):

[0136] C² represents a unit which is represented by any one of thefollowing formulae (d-1) and (e-1):

[0137] D² represents a unit which is represented by the followingformula (f-1):

—R⁸—NHR³,  (f-1)

[0138] E² represents a unit which is represented by the followingformula (g-1):

—R⁹—P¹, and  (g-1)

[0139] F² represents a unit which is represented by any one of thefollowing formulae (h-1) to (j-1):

—NH—R¹⁰—Si(OR¹¹)₃,  (h-1)

[0140] wherein, in the formulae (6) to (8) and (a-1) to (j-1):

[0141] N represents a nitrogen atom, Si represents a silicon atom, Orepresents an oxygen atom, C represents a carbon atom, and H representsa hydrogen atom,

[0142] P¹ represents the base block copolymer,

[0143] R^(1a) represents a trivalent aliphatic C₁-C₄₈ hydrocarbon group,

[0144] each of R^(1b), R⁴, R⁸ to R¹⁰ and R¹³ to R²⁰ independentlyrepresents a C₁-C₄₈ alkylene group,

[0145] each of R², R³ and R¹¹ independently represents a C₁-C₄₈ alkylgroup, a C₆-C₄₈ aryl group, an alkylaryl group comprised of C₁-C₄₈ alkyland C₆-C₄₈ aryl, an aralkyl group comprised of C₁-C₄₈ alkyl and C₆-C₄₈aryl, or a C₃-C₄₈ cycloalkyl group,

[0146] wherein each of R^(1a), R^(1b), R³, R⁴, R⁸ to R¹⁰ and R¹³ to R¹⁵optionally independently has at least one functional group selected fromthe group consisting of a hydroxyl group, an epoxy group, an aminogroup, a silanol group and a C₁-C₂₄ alkoxysilane group,

[0147] each of R⁵ to R⁷ and R¹² independently represents a hydrogenatom, a C₁-C₄₈ alkyl group, a C₆-C₄₈ aryl group, an alkylaryl groupcomprised of C₁-C₄₈ alkyl and C₆-C₄₈ aryl, an aralkyl group comprised ofC₁-C₄₈ alkyl and C₆-C₄₈ aryl, or a C₃-C₄₈ cycloalkyl group,

[0148] wherein each of R^(1a), R^(1b), R² to R⁴ and R⁸ to R¹⁵ optionallyindependently has bonded thereto at least one atom selected from thegroup consisting of an oxygen atom, a nitrogen atom, a sulfur atom and asilicon atom, the at least one atom being bonded in a form other than ahydroxyl group, an epoxy group, an amino group, a silanol group and analkoxysilane group, and

[0149] each of t, u, v and x is independently an integer of 0 or more,provided that both t and u are not simultaneously 0, and w is an integerof 1 or more.

[0150] 22. The adhesive composition according to item 21 above, whereinthe functional group of the second-order modifier (III) comprises atleast one member selected from the group consisting of a carboxyl group,an acid anhydride group, an isocyanate group, an epoxy group and analkoxysilane group.

[0151] 23. An adhesive film for protecting a surface, which is obtainedby forming an adhesive layer on a resin film,

[0152] the adhesive layer comprising an adhesive composition comprising:

[0153] 100 parts by weight of (I) the modified block copolymer of anyone of items 1 to 6 above, and

[0154] 3 to 200 parts by weight of (VIII) a tackifier.

[0155] 24. An adhesive film for protecting a surface, which is obtainedby forming an adhesive layer on a resin film,

[0156] the adhesive layer comprising an adhesive composition comprising:

[0157] 100 parts by weight of (I-1) a semimodified block copolymercomprising:

[0158] a base block copolymer comprising at least one polymer block (A)comprised mainly of vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer units and atleast one polymer block (B) comprised mainly of conjugated diene monomerunits, the amounts of the vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer units andthe conjugated diene monomer units in the base block copolymer being,respectively, 5 to 95% by weight and 95 to 5% by weight, based on thetotal weight of the vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer units and theconjugated diene monomer units, and

[0159] a functional group-containing first-order modifier group bondedto the base block copolymer,

[0160] the base block copolymer being unhydrogenated or at leastpartially hydrogenated,

[0161] wherein the semimodified block copolymer (I-1) is represented bya formula selected from the group consisting of the below-mentionedformulae (6) to (10),

[0162] 3 to 200 parts by weight of (VIII) a tackifier, and

[0163] 0.01 to 20 parts by weight of (III) a second-order modifierhaving a functional group which is reactive to the functional group ofthe first-order modifier group of the semimodified block copolymer(I-1),

 C²—NR³-D²,  (8)

C²-D², and  (9)

E²-F²  (10)

[0164] wherein:

[0165] A² represents a unit which is represented by any one of thefollowing formulae (a-1) and (b-1):

[0166] B² represents a unit which is represented by the followingformula (c-1):

[0167] C² represents a unit which is represented by any one of thefollowing formulae (d-1) and (e-1):

[0168] D² represents a unit which is represented by the followingformula (f-1):

—R⁸—NHR³,  (f-1)

[0169] E² represents a unit which is represented by the followingformula (g-1):

—R⁹—P¹, and  (g-1)

[0170] F² represents a unit which is represented by any one of thefollowing formulae (h-1) to (h-1)—NH—R¹⁰—Si(OR¹¹)₃

[0171] wherein, in the formulae (6) to (8) and (a-1) to (j-1):

[0172] N represents a nitrogen atom, Si represents a silicon atom, Orepresents an oxygen atom, C represents a carbon atom, and H representsa hydrogen atom,

[0173] P¹ represents the base block copolymer,

[0174] R^(1a) represents a trivalent aliphatic C₁-C₄₈ hydrocarbon group,

[0175] each of R^(1b), R⁴, R⁸ to R¹⁰ and R¹³ to R²⁰ independentlyrepresents a C₁-C₄₈ alkylene group,

[0176] each of R², R³ and R¹¹ independently represents a C₁-C₄₈ alkylgroup, a C₆-C₄₈ aryl group, an alkylaryl group comprised of C₁-C₄₈ alkyland C₆-C₄₈ aryl, an aralkyl group comprised of C₁-C₄₈ alkyl and C₆-C₄₈aryl, or a C₃-C₄₈ cycloalkyl group,

[0177] wherein each of R^(1a), R^(1b), R³, R⁴, R⁸ to R¹⁰ and R¹³ to R¹⁵optionally independently has at least one functional group selected fromthe group consisting of a hydroxyl group, an epoxy group, an aminogroup, a silanol group and a C₁-C₂₄ alkoxysilane group,

[0178] each of R⁵ to R⁷ and R¹² independently represents a hydrogenatom, a C₁-C₄₈ alkyl group, a C₆-C₄₈ aryl group, an alkylaryl groupcomprised of C₁-C₄₈ alkyl and C₆-C₄₈ aryl, an aralkyl group comprised ofC₁-C₄₈ alkyl and C₆-C₄₈ aryl, or a C₃-C₄₈ cycloalkyl group,

[0179] wherein each of R^(1a), R^(1b), R² to R⁴ and R⁸ to R¹⁵ optionallyindependently has bonded thereto at least one atom selected from thegroup consisting of an oxygen atom, a nitrogen atom, a sulfur atom and asilicon atom, the at least one atom being bonded in a form other than ahydroxyl group, an epoxy group, an amino group, a silanol group and analkoxysilane group, and

[0180] each of t, u, v and x is independently an integer of 0 or more,provided that both t and u are not simultaneously 0, and w is an integerof 1 or more.

[0181] 25. An asphalt composition comprising:

[0182] 0.5 to 50 parts by weight of (I) the modified block copolymer ofany one of items 1 to 6 above, and

[0183] 100 parts by weight of (IX) an asphalt.

[0184] 26. An asphalt composition comprising:

[0185] 0.5 to 50 parts by weight of (I-1) a semimodified block copolymercomprising:

[0186] a base block copolymer comprising at least one polymer block (A)comprised mainly of vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer units and atleast one polymer block (B) comprised mainly of conjugated diene monomerunits, the amounts of the vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer units andthe conjugated diene monomer units in the base block copolymer being,respectively, 5 to 95% by weight and 95 to 5% by weight, based on thetotal weight of the vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer units and theconjugated diene monomer units, and

[0187] a functional group-containing first-order modifier group bondedto the base block copolymer, the base block copolymer beingunhydrogenated or at least partially hydrogenated,

[0188] wherein the semimodified block copolymer (I-1) is represented bya formula selected from the group consisting of the below-mentionedformulae (6) to (10),

[0189] 100 parts by weight of (IX) an asphalt, and

[0190] 0.01 to 5 parts by weight of (III) a second-order modifier havinga functional group which is reactive to the functional group of thefirst-order modifier group of the semimodified block copolymer (I-1),

 C²—NR³-D²,  (8)

C²-D², and  (9)

E²-F²  (10)

[0191] wherein:

[0192] A² represents a unit which is represented by any one of thefollowing formulae (a-1) and (b-1):

[0193] B² represents a unit which is represented by the followingformula (c-1):

[0194] C² represents a unit which is represented by any one of thefollowing formulae (d-1) and (e-1):

[0195] D² represents a unit which is represented by the followingformula (f-1):

—R⁸—NHR³,  (f-1)

[0196] E² represents a unit which is represented by the followingformula (g-1):

—R⁹—P¹, and  (g-1)

[0197] F² represents a unit which is represented by any one of thefollowing formulae (h-1) to (j-1):

—NH—R¹⁰—Si(OR¹¹)₃,  (h-1)

[0198] wherein, in the formulae (6) to (8) and (a-1) to (j-1):

[0199] N represents a nitrogen atom, Si represents a silicon atom, Orepresents an oxygen atom, C represents a carbon atom, and H representsa hydrogen atom,

[0200] P¹ represents the base block copolymer,

[0201] R^(1a) represents a trivalent aliphatic C₁-C₄₈ hydrocarbon group,

[0202] each of R^(1b), R⁴, R⁸ to R¹⁰ and R¹³ to R²⁰ independentlyrepresents a C₁-C₄₈ alkylene group,

[0203] each of R², R³ and R¹¹ independently represents a C₁-C₄₈ alkylgroup, a C₆-C₄₈ aryl group, an alkylaryl group comprised of C₁-C₄₈ alkyland C₆-C₄₈ aryl, an aralkyl group comprised of C₁-C₄₈ alkyl and C₆-C₄₈aryl, or a C₃-C₄₈ cycloalkyl group,

[0204] wherein each of R^(1a), R^(1b), R³, R⁴, R⁸ to R¹⁰ and R¹³ to R¹⁵optionally independently has at least one functional group selected fromthe group consisting of a hydroxyl group, an epoxy group, an aminogroup, a silanol group and a C₁-C₂₄ alkoxysilane group,

[0205] each of R⁵ to R⁷ and R¹² independently represents a hydrogenatom, a C₁-C₄₈ alkyl group, a C₆-C₄₈ aryl group, an alkylaryl groupcomprised of C₁-C₄₈ alkyl and C₆-C₄₈ aryl, an aralkyl group comprised ofC₁-C₄₈ alkyl and C₆-C₄₈ aryl, or a C₃-C₄₈ cycloalkyl group,

[0206] wherein each of R^(1a), R^(1b), R² to R⁴ and R⁸ to R¹⁵ optionallyindependently has bonded thereto at least one atom selected from thegroup consisting of an oxygen atom, a nitrogen atom, a sulfur atom and asilicon atom, the at least one atom being bonded in a form other than ahydroxyl group, an epoxy group, an amino group, a silanol group and analkoxysilane group, and

[0207] each of t, u, v and x is independently an integer of 0 or more,provided that both t and u are not simultaneously 0, and w is an integerof 1 or more.

[0208] 27. A drainage pavement comprising a road and, formed thereon, adrainage pavement layer having a plurality of voids for drainage,

[0209] the drainage pavement layer comprising a plurality of aggregatesand a binder,

[0210] the binder comprising the asphalt composition of item 25 above.

[0211] 28. The drainage pavement according to item 27 above, wherein thedrainage pavement layer has a void ratio of 5 to 35%.

[0212] 29. A drainage pavement comprising a road and, formed thereon, adrainage pavement layer having a plurality of voids for drainage,

[0213] the drainage pavement layer comprising a plurality of aggregatesand a binder,

[0214] the binder comprising the asphalt composition of item 26 above.

[0215] 30. The drainage pavement according to item 29 above, wherein thedrainage pavement layer has a void ratio of 5 to 35%.

[0216] 31. A method for producing the modified block copolymer of item 1above, comprising:

[0217] (1) providing a first-order modified block copolymer comprising:

[0218] a base block copolymer comprising at least one polymer block (A)comprised mainly of vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer units and atleast one polymer block (B) comprised mainly of conjugated diene monomerunits, the amounts of the vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer units andthe conjugated diene monomer units in the base block copolymer being,respectively, 5 to 95% by weight and 95 to 5% by weight, based on thetotal weight of the vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer units and theconjugated diene monomer units, and

[0219] a functional group-containing first-order modifier group bondedto the base block copolymer,

[0220] the base block copolymer being unhydrogenated or at leastpartially hydrogenated,

[0221] wherein the first-order modified block copolymer is produced by aprocess in which a base block copolymer having a living terminal isproduced by a living anionic polymerization, and a functionalgroup-containing first-order modifier is addition-bonded to the livingterminal of the base block copolymer to obtain a first-order modifiedblock copolymer, optionally followed by partial or completehydrogenation of the obtained first-order modified block copolymer,wherein the first-order modified block copolymer is represented by aformula selected from the group consisting of the below-mentionedformulae (6) to (10), and

[0222] (2) reacting the first-order modified block copolymer with asecond-order modifier, wherein the second-order modifier has afunctional group which is reactive to the functional group of thefirst-order modifier group of the first-order modified block copolymer,and wherein the second-order modifier is used in an amount of 0.3 to 10moles, relative to one equivalent of the functional group of thefirst-order modifier group of the first-order modified block copolymer,

[0223] thereby obtaining a second-order modified block copolymer,

 C²—NR³-D²,  (8)

C²-D², and  (9)

E²-F²  (10)

[0224] wherein:

[0225] A² represents a unit which is represented by any one of thefollowing formulae (a-1) and (b-1):

[0226] B² represents a unit which is represented by the followingformula (c-1):

[0227] C² represents a unit which is represented by any one of thefollowing formulae (d-1) and (e-1):

[0228] D² represents a unit which is represented by the followingformula (f-1):

—R⁸—NHR³,  (f-1)

[0229] E² represents a unit which is represented by the followingformula (g-1):

—R⁹—P¹, and  (g-1)

[0230] F² represents a unit which is represented by any one of thefollowing formulae (h-1) to (j-1):

—NH—R¹⁰—Si(OR¹ 1)₃,  (h-1)

[0231] wherein, in the formulae (6) to (8) and (a-1) to (j-1):

[0232] N represents a nitrogen atom, Si represents a silicon atom, Orepresents an oxygen atom, C represents a carbon atom, and H representsa hydrogen atom,

[0233] P¹ represents the base block copolymer,

[0234] R^(1a) represents a trivalent aliphatic C₁-C₄₈ hydrocarbon group,

[0235] each of R^(1b), R⁴, R⁸ to R¹⁰ and R¹³ to R²⁰ independentlyrepresents a C₁-C₄₈ alkylene group,

[0236] each of R², R³ and R¹¹ independently represents a C₁-C₄₈ alkylgroup, a C₆-C₄₈ aryl group, an alkylaryl group comprised of C₁-C₄₈ alkyland C₆-C₄₈ aryl, an aralkyl group comprised of C₁-C₄₈ alkyl and C₆-C₄₈aryl, or a C₃-C₄₈ cycloalkyl group,

[0237] wherein each of R^(1a), R^(1b), R³, R⁴, R⁸ to R¹⁰ and R¹³ to R¹⁵optionally independently has at least one functional group selected fromthe group consisting of a hydroxyl group, an epoxy group, an aminogroup, a silanol group and a C₁-C₂₄ alkoxysilane group,

[0238] each of R⁵ to R⁷ and R¹² independently represents a hydrogenatom, a C₁-C₄₈ alkyl group, a C₆-C₄₈ aryl group, an alkylaryl groupcomprised of C₁-C₄₈ alkyl and C₆-C₄₈ aryl, an aralkyl group comprised ofC₁-C₄₈ alkyl and C₆-C₄₈ aryl, or a C₃-C₄₈ cycloalkyl group,

[0239] wherein each of R^(1a), R^(1b), R² to R⁴ and R⁸ to R¹⁵ optionallyindependently has bonded thereto at least one atom selected from thegroup consisting of an oxygen atom, a nitrogen atom, a sulfur atom and asilicon atom, the at least one atom being bonded in a form other than ahydroxyl group, an epoxy group, an amino group, a silanol group and analkoxysilane group, and

[0240] each of t, u, v and x is independently an integer of 0 or more,provided that both t and u are not simultaneously 0, and w is an integerof 1 or more.

[0241] 32. The method according to item 31 above, wherein, in step (1),after the addition-bonding of the functional group-containingfirst-order modifier to the living terminal of the base block copolymer,the resultant first-order modified block copolymer is reacted with anactive hydrogen-containing compound,

[0242] wherein, when the optional hydrogenation of the first-ordermodified block copolymer is performed, the reaction with an activehydrogen-containing compound is performed prior to or simultaneouslywith the hydrogenation.

[0243] Hereinbelow, the present invention is described in detail.

[0244] The first-order modified block copolymer in the present inventionis a semimodified block copolymer which comprises a base block copolymercomprising at least one polymer block (A) comprised mainly of vinylaromatic hydrocarbon monomer units and at least one polymer block (B)comprised mainly of conjugated diene monomer units, and a functionalgroup-containing first order-modifier group bonded to the base blockcopolymer, wherein the base block copolymer is unhydrogenated or atleast partially hydrogenated, and wherein the first-order modified blockcopolymer is represented by a formula selected from the group consistingof the above-mentioned formulae (6) to (10). On the other hand, thesecond-order modified block copolymer of the present invention is amodified block copolymer which can be obtained, for example, by reactingthe first-order modified block copolymer with a second-order modifierhaving a functional group which is reactive to the functional group ofthe first-order modifier group of the first-order modified blockcopolymer, wherein the second-order modified block copolymer isrepresented by a formula selected from the group consisting of theabove-mentioned formulae (1) to (5).

[0245] In the present invention, from the viewpoint of the improvementof stiffness of the modified block copolymer, the amount of the vinylaromatic hydrocarbon monomer units in the base block copolymer is 5% byweight or more, based on the total weight of the vinyl aromatichydrocarbon monomer units and the conjugated diene monomer units.Further, from the viewpoint of the improvement of impact resistance ofthe modified block copolymer, the amount of the vinyl aromatichydrocarbon monomer units in the base block copolymer is 95% by weightor less, based on the total weight of the vinyl aromatic hydrocarbonmonomer units and the conjugated diene monomer units. The amount of thevinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer units in the base block copolymer ispreferably from 10 to 90% by weight, more preferably from 15 to 85% byweight. When the amount of the vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer unitsis 60% by weight or more, preferably 65% by weight or more, the modifiedblock copolymer exhibits resinous properties. When the amount of thevinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer units is less than 60% by weight,preferably 55% by weight or less, the modified block copolymer exhibitselastic properties. On the other hand, the amount of the conjugateddiene monomer units in the base block copolymer is from 95 to 5% byweight, based on the total weight of the vinyl aromatic hydrocarbonmonomer units and the conjugated diene monomer units.

[0246] In the present invention, the base block copolymer is produced bya living anionic polymerization in a solvent in the presence of anorganolithium compound as a catalyst.

[0247] As examples of methods for producing a base block copolymer,there can be mentioned the methods described in Examined Japanese PatentApplication Publication Nos. Sho 36-19286 (corresponding to U.S. Pat.No. 2,975,160), Sho 43-17979, Sho 46-32415, Sho 49-36957 (correspondingto U.S. Pat. No. 3,281,383), Sho 48-2423, Sho 48-4106 (corresponding toU.S. Pat. No. 3,639,517), Sho 51-49567, and Unexamined Japanese PatentApplication Laid-Open Specification No. Sho 59-166518 (corresponding toU.S. Pat. No. 4,603,155). By addition-bonding the below-describedfunctional group-containing first-order modifier to the living terminalof the base block copolymer produced by, for example, a method describedin any of the above-mentioned documents, a first-order modified blockcopolymer having a functional group-containing first-order modifiergroup can be obtained, wherein the first-order modified block copolymerhas, for example, a structure represented by a formula selected from thegroup consisting of the following formulae:

(A-B)_(n)-Z, A-(B-A)_(n)-Z, B-(A-B)_(n)-Z, Z-(A-B)_(n), Z-(A-B)_(n)-Z,Z-A-(B-A)_(n)-Z, Z-B-(A-B)_(n)-Z, [(B-A)_(n)]_(m)-Z, [(A-B)_(n)]_(m)-Z,[(B-A)_(n)-B]_(m)-Z, and [(A-B)_(n)-A]_(n)-Z.

[0248] In the above-mentioned formulae, A represents a polymer blockcomprised mainly of vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer units, and Brepresents a polymer block comprised mainly of conjugated diene monomerunits. It is not necessary that the boundary between the polymer blocksA and B be distinct. In the above-mentioned formulae, n is an integer of1 or more, preferably an integer of from 1 to 5, and m is an integer of2 or more, preferably an integer of from 2 to 11. Z represents a residueof the first-order modifier (described below) which has a functionalgroup bonded thereto. When Z is addition-bonded to the block copolymerby a metalation reaction (described below), Z is bonded to a side chainof polymer block A and/or B. When the block copolymer comprises aplurality of polymer blocks A and a plurality of polymer blocks B, thestructures of polymer blocks A are the same or different, and thestructures of polymer blocks B are the same or different. Further, thestructures of the polymer chains each having Z bonded thereto are thesame or different.

[0249] In the present invention, polymer block A (which is comprisedmainly of vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer units) is a copolymer blockcomprising vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer units and conjugated dienemonomer units or a homopolymer block comprising vinyl aromatichydrocarbon monomer units, wherein, in the copolymer block A, the amountof vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer units is preferably 50% by weightor more, more preferably 70% by weight or more, based on the weight ofcopolymer block A. Polymer block B (which is comprised mainly ofconjugated diene monomer units) is a copolymer block comprisingconjugated diene monomer units and vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomerunits or a homopolymer block comprising conjugated diene monomer units,wherein, in the copolymer block B, the amount of conjugated dienemonomer units is preferably more than 50% by weight, more preferably 60%by weight or more, base on the weight of copolymer block B. The vinylaromatic hydrocarbon monomer units may be uniformly distributed or maybe distributed in a tapered configuration in the copolymer block. Thecopolymer block may have a plurality of segments of at least one typeselected from the group consisting of segments in which the vinylaromatic hydrocarbon monomer units are uniformly distributed, andsegments in which the vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer units aredistributed in a tapered configuration. Further, the copolymer block mayhave a plurality of segments having different vinyl aromatic hydrocarbonmonomer unit contents. The base block copolymer used in the presentinvention may be a mixture of a plurality of different base blockcopolymers which can be appropriately selected.

[0250] In the present invention, the microstructure (including theamounts of a cis bond, a trans bond, and a vinyl bond) of the conjugateddiene monomer units in the block copolymer can be appropriatelycontrolled by using the below-described polar compound and the like.When 1,3-butadiene (which is addition-polymerized through a cis-1,4bond, a trans-1,4 bond or a 1,2-vinyl bond) is used as the conjugateddiene monomer, it is preferred that the 1,2-vinyl bond content is in therange of from 5 to 90 mol %, more advantageously from 10 to 80 mol %,based on the total molar amount of the cis-1,4 bond, trans-1,4 bond and1,2-vinyl bond. When isoprene or a combination of 1,3-butadiene andisoprene is used as the conjugated diene monomer, it is preferred thatthe total content of the 1,2-vinyl bond and 3,4-vinyl bond is in therange of from 3 to 80 mol %, more advantageously from 5 to 70%, based onthe total molar amount of the cis-1,4 bond, trans-1,4 bond, 1,2-vinylbond and 3,4-vinyl bond. However, in the case where a hydrogenated blockcopolymer is used as the base block copolymer, with respect to themicrostructure of the conjugated diene monomer units in the blockcopolymer, when 1,3-butadiene is used as the conjugated diene monomer,it is recommended that the 1,2-vinyl bond content is preferably in therange of from 10 to 80 mol %, more preferably from 25 to 75 mol %, basedon the total molar amount of the cis-1,4 bond, trans-1,4 bond and1,2-vinyl bond, and when isoprene or a combination of 1,3-butadiene andisoprene is used as the conjugated diene monomer, it is recommended thatthe total content of the 1,2-vinyl bond and 3,4-vinyl bond is preferablyin the range of from 5 to 70 mol %, based on the total molar amount ofthe cis-1,4 bond, trans-1,4 bond, 1,2-vinyl bond and 3,4-vinyl bond. Inthe present invention, the total content of the 1,2-vinyl bond and3,4-vinyl bond (or the content of the 1,2-vinyl bond in the case where1,3-butadiene is used as the conjugated diene monomer) is defined as thevinyl bond content.

[0251] In the present invention, the conjugated diene monomer is adiolefin having a pair of conjugated double bonds. Examples ofconjugated diene monomers include 1,3-butadiene, 2-methyl-1,3-butadiene(isoprene), 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-butadiene, 1,3-pentadiene and1,3-hexadiene. Of these, especially preferred are 1,3-butadiene andisoprene. These conjugated diene monomers can be used individually or incombination.

[0252] Examples of vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomers include styrene,o-methylstyrene, p-methylstyrene, p-tert-butylstyrene,1,3-dimethylstyrene, α-methylstyrene, vinylnaphthalene andvinylanthracene. Of these, especially preferred is styrene. These vinylaromatic hydrocarbon monomers can be used individually or incombination.

[0253] In the present invention, when a combination of isoprene and1,3-butadiene is used as the conjugated diene monomer for producing thebase block copolymer, the weight ratio of isoprene to 1,3-butadiene ispreferably in the range of from 95/5 to 5/95, more preferably from 90/10to 10/90, still more preferably from 85/15 to 15/85. Especially from theviewpoint of obtaining a polymer composition having excellent impactresistance at low temperatures, it is recommended that the weight ratioof isoprene to 1,3-butadiene is preferably in the range of from 49/51 to5/95, more preferably from 45/55 to 10/90, still more preferably from40/60 to 15/85. When isoprene and 1,3-butadiene are used in combinationas the conjugated diene monomer for producing the base block copolymer,an advantage can be obtained in that the polymer composition can beformed into shaped articles exhibiting a good balance of appearance andmechanical properties, even when the shaping is performed at hightemperatures.

[0254] In the present invention, in any of the following two cases,namely the first case where a polymer composition having excellentflexibility is produced from the above-mentioned second-order modifiedblock copolymer and a rubbery polymer and the second case where apolymer composition having excellent impact resistance is produced fromthe second-order modified block copolymer and a thermoplastic resin,from the viewpoint of maintaining the stiffness of the shaped article,it is recommended that the amount of vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon polymerblock in the base block copolymer (hereinafter referred to as “vinylaromatic hydrocarbon block ratio”) is controlled preferably in the rangeof from 50% by weight or more, more preferably from 50 to 97% by weight,still more preferably from 60 to 95% by weight, most preferably from 70to 92% by weight. The vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon block ratio in the baseblock copolymer can be measured by the following method. The weight ofthe vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon polymer block is obtained by a method inwhich the base block copolymer is subjected to oxidative degradationusing tert-butyl hydroperoxide in the presence of osmium tetraoxide as acatalyst (i.e., method described in I. M. KOLTHOFF, et al., J. Polym.Sci. 1, 429 (1946)). Using the obtained weight of the vinyl aromatichydrocarbon polymer block, the vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon block ratio inthe base block copolymer is calculated by the following formula, withthe proviso that, among the polymer chains (formed by the oxidativedegradation) corresponding to the vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon polymerblocks, the polymer chains having an average polymerization degree ofabout 30 or less are not taken into consideration in the measurement ofthe vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon block ratio.

Vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon block ratio (% by weight)=(weight of thevinyl aromatic hydrocarbon polymer block in the base blockcopolymer/weight of the vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer units in thebase block copolymer)×100.

[0255] As mentioned above, the base block copolymer used in the presentinvention is produced by a living anionic polymerization in a solvent inthe presence of an organolithium compound as a catalyst. Examples ofsolvents used for producing the base block copolymer in the presentinvention include hydrocarbon solvents, such as, aliphatic hydrocarbons,e.g., butane, pentane, hexane, isopentane, heptane, octane andisooctane; alicyclic hydrocarbons, e.g., cyclopentane,methylcyclopentane, cyclohexane, methylcyclohexane and ethylcyclohexane;and aromatic hydrocarbons, e.g., benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene andxylene. These solvents can be used individually or in combination.

[0256] The organolithium compound which is used in the production of thebase block copolymer is an organic compound having at least one lithiumatom in a molecule thereof. Examples of organolithium compounds includeethyllithium, n-propyllithium, isopropyllithium, n-butyllithium,sec-butyllithium, tert-butyllithium, hexamethylenedilithium,butadienyldilithium and isoprenyldilithium. These organolithiumcompounds can be used individually or in combination. Further, in theproduction of the base block copolymer, all amount of the organolithiumcompound may be added at a single time, or the organolithium compoundmay be added portionwise at two or more times.

[0257] In the present invention, for controlling the rate of thepolymerization reaction for producing the base block copolymer, forchanging the microstructure of the conjugated diene segments in the baseblock copolymer produced, and for adjusting the reactivity ratio of theconjugated diene monomer to the vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer, apolar compound or a randomizing agent may be used. Examples of polarcompounds and randomizing agents include ethers, amines, thioethers,phosphoramides, a potassium salt or sodium salt of an alkylbenzenesulfonic acid and an alkoxide of potassium or sodium. Preferred examplesof ethers include dimethylether, diethylether, diphenylether,tetrahydrofuran, diethyleneglycol dimethylether and diethyleneglycoldibutylether. Examples of amines include tertiary amines,trimethylamine, triethylamine, tetramethylethylenediamine and cyclictertiary amines. Examples of phosphoramides includehexamethylphosphoramide.

[0258] In the present invention, the reaction temperature for thecopolymerization of a conjugated diene and a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbonin order to produce a base block copolymer is preferably in the range offrom −10 to 150° C., more preferably from 30 to 120° C. The reactiontime for the copolymerization varies depending on other conditions, butis preferably within 48 hours, more preferably from 0.5 to 10 hours. Itis preferred that the atmosphere of the copolymerization reaction systemis an atmosphere of an inert gas, such as nitrogen gas. With respect tothe copolymerization reaction pressure, there is no particularlimitation so long as the pressure is sufficient for the monomers andthe solvent to maintain a liquid state. Further, it is preferred toprevent the intrusion of impurities (such as water, oxygen and carbondioxide), which deactivate the catalyst and/or the living polymer, intothe copolymerization reaction system.

[0259] The first-order modified block copolymer used in the presentinvention can be produced, for example, by a process in which a baseblock copolymer having a living terminal is produced by a living anionicpolymerization, and a functional group-containing first-order modifieris addition-bonded to the living terminal of the base block copolymer toobtain a first-order modified block copolymer, optionally followed bypartial or complete hydrogenation of the obtained first-order modifiedblock copolymer.

[0260] The first-order modified block copolymer used in the presentinvention (hereinafter frequently referred to under reference numeral(I-1)) is a modified block copolymer comprising the above-mentioned baseblock copolymer and a functional group-containing first-order modifiergroup bonded to the base block copolymer, and has a structurerepresented by a formula selected from the group consisting of theabove-mentioned formulae (6) to (10).

[0261] The first-order modified block copolymer which has a functionalgroup-containing first-order modifier group can be obtained by a methodin which the below-described functional group-containing first-ordermodifier is addition-bonded to the living terminal of the base blockcopolymer. The functional group of the first-order modifier may beprotected by a conventional method. As another method for producing thefirst-order modified block copolymer, there can be mentioned a method inwhich an organic alkali metal compound, such as an organolithiumcompound, is addition-bonded to a base block copolymer which does nothave a living terminal (this addition reaction is called “metalationreaction”), followed by the addition-bonding of a first-order modifierto the base block copolymer. In this method, the base block copolymermay be hydrogenated before the metalation reaction and the subsequentaddition-bonding of the first-order modifier.

[0262] When the base block copolymer is reacted with a first-ordermodifier, it is possible that a hydroxyl group, an amino group and thelike, which are contained in the resultant first-order modifier group ofthe first-order modified block copolymer, are converted to alkali metalsalts thereof, depending on the type of first-order modifier. In suchcase, the alkali metal salts can be reconverted back to functionalgroups (i.e., a hydroxyl group, an amino group and the like) by reactingthe alkali metal salts with an active hydrogen-containing compound, suchas water, an alcohol, an inorganic acid and the like. When thefirst-order modified block copolymer is subjected to an optionalhydrogenation, the above-mentioned reaction with an activehydrogen-containing compound is performed prior to or simultaneouslywith the hydrogenation.

[0263] In the present invention, a first-order modified block copolymerobtained by addition-bonding of the first-order modifier to the livingterminal of the base block copolymer, may contain an unmodified blockcopolymer fraction. It is recommended that the amount of such unmodifiedblock copolymer fraction in the first-order modified block copolymer ispreferably not more than 70% by weight, more preferably not more than60% by weight, still more preferably not more than 50% by weight, basedon the weight of the first-order modified block copolymer.

[0264] Examples of first-order modifiers used for producing thefirst-order modified block copolymer used in the present invention areas follows.

[0265] Examples of first-order modifiers used for producing afirst-order modified block copolymer represented by the above-mentionedformula (6) or (7) (which is a first-order modified block copolymercorresponding to a second-order modified block copolymer represented bythe above-mentioned formula (1) or (2)) include polyepoxy compounds,such as tetraglycidyl-m-xylenediamine,tetraglycidyl-1,3-bisaminomethylcyclohexane,tetraglycidyl-p-phenylenediamine, tetraglycidyldiaminodiphenylmethane,diglycidylaniline, diglycidyl-o-toluidine,4,4′-diglycidyl-diphenylmethylamine,4,4′-diglycidyl-dibenzylmethylamine, anddiglycidylaminomethylcyclohexane.

[0266] Examples of first-order modifiers used for producing afirst-order modified block copolymer represented by the above-mentionedformula (10) (which is a first-order modified block copolymercorresponding to a second-order modified block copolymer represented bythe above-mentioned formula (5)) includeγ-glycidoxyethyltrimethoxysilane, γ-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane,γ-glycidoxybutyltrimethoxysilane, γ-glycidoxypropyltriethoxysilane,γ-glycidoxypropyltripropoxysilane, γ-glycidoxypropyltributoxysilane,γ-glycidoxypropyltriphenoxysilane,γ-glycidoxypropylmethyldimethoxysilane,γ-glycidoxypropylethyldimethoxysilane,γ-glycidoxypropylethyldiethoxysilane,γ-glycidoxypropylmethyldiethoxysilane,γ-glycidoxypropylmethyldipropoxysilane,γ-glycidoxypropylmethyldibutoxysilane,γ-glycidoxypropylmethyldiphenoxysilane,γ-glycidoxypropyldimethylmethoxysilane,γ-glycidoxypropyldiethylethoxysilane,γ-glycidoxypropyldimethylethoxysilane,γ-glycidoxypropyldimethylphenoxysilane,γ-glycidoxypropyldiethylmethoxysilane,γ-glycidoxypropylmethyldiisopropeneoxysilane,bis(γ-glycidoxypropyl)dimethoxysilane andbis(γ-glycidoxypropyl)diethoxysilane.

[0267] Further examples of such first-order modifiers includebis(γ-glycidoxypropyl)dipropoxysilane,bis(γ-glycidoxypropyl)dibutoxysilane,bis(γ-glycidoxypropyl)diphenoxysilane,bis(γ-glycidoxypropyl)methylmethoxysilane,bis(γ-glycidoxypropyl)methylethoxysilane,bis(γ-glycidoxypropyl)methylpropoxysilane,bis(γ-glycidoxypropyl)methylbutoxysilane,bis(γ-glycidoxypropyl)methylphenoxysilane, tris(γ-glycidoxypropyl)methoxysilane, γ-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane,γ-methacryloxypropyltriethoxysilane,γ-methacryloxymethyltrimethoxysilane,γ-methacryloxyethyltriethoxysilane,bis(γ-methacryloxypropyl)dimethoxysilane, and tris(γ-methacryloxypropyl)methoxysilane.

[0268] Still further examples of such first-order modifiers includeβ-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl)ethyl-trimethoxysilane,β-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl)ethyl-triethoxysilane,β-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl)ethyl-tripropoxysilane,β-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl)ethyl-tributoxysilane, andβ-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl)ethyl-triphenoxysilane.

[0269] Still further examples of such first-order modifiers includeβ-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl)propyl-trimethoxysilane,β-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl)ethyl-methyldimethoxysilane,β-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl)ethyl-ethyldimethoxysilane,β-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl)ethyl-ethyldiethoxysilane,β-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl)ethyl-methyldiethoxysilane,β-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl)ethyl-methyldipropoxysilane,β-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl)ethyl-methyldibutoxysilane,β-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl)ethyl-methyldiphenoxysilane,β-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl)ethyl-dimethylmethoxysilane,β-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl)ethyl-diethylethoxysilane,β-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl)ethyl-dimethyethoxysilane,β-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl)ethyl-dimethylpropoxysilane,β-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl)ethyl-dimethylbutoxysilane, andβ-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl)ethyl-dimethylphenoxysilane.

[0270] Still further examples of such first-order modifiers includeβ-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl)ethyl-diethylmethoxysilane,β-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl)ethyl-methyldiisopropeneoxysilane andN-(1,3-dimethylbutylidene)-3-(triethoxysilyl)-1-propaneamine.

[0271] Examples of first-order modifiers used for producing afirst-order modified block copolymer represented by the above-mentionedformula (8) (which is a first-order modified block copolymercorresponding to a second-order modified block copolymer represented bythe above-mentioned formula (3)) include 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone,1,3-diethyl-2-imidazolidinone, N,N′-dimethylpropyleneurea,1,3-dipropyl-2-imidazolidinone, 1-methyl-3-ethyl-2-imidazolidinone,1-methyl-3-propyl-2-imidazolidinone, 1-methyl-3-butyl-2-imidazolidinone,1-methyl-3-(2-methoxyethyl)-2-imidazolidinone,1-methyl-3-(2-ethoxyethyl)-2-imidazolidinone,1,3-di-(2-ethoxyethyl)-2-imidazolidinone, 1,3-dimethylethylenethiourea,N,N′-diethylpropyleneurea, and N-methyl-N′-ethylpropyleneurea.

[0272] Examples of first-order modifiers used for producing afirst-order modified block copolymer represented by the above-mentionedformula (9) (which can be used for producing a second-order modifiedblock copolymer represented by the above-mentioned formula (4)) include1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, 1-cyclohexyl-2-pyrrolidone,1-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone, 1-propyl-2-pyrrolidone, 1-butyl-2-pyrrolidone,1-isopropyl-2-pyrrolidone, 1,5-dimethyl-2-pyrrolidone,1-methoxymethyl-2-pyrrolidone, 1-methyl-2-piperidone,1,4-dimethyl-2-piperidone, 1-ethyl-2-piperidone,1-isopropyl-2-piperidone, and 1-isopropyl-5,5-dimethyl-2-piperidone.

[0273] By reacting the base block copolymer with any of theabove-mentioned first-order modifiers, a first-order modified blockcopolymer having a residue of the functional group-containingfirst-order modifier can be obtained. When the functionalgroup-containing first-order modifier is addition-bonded to the livingterminal of the base block copolymer, the living terminal may be of anyof polymer block A and polymer block B. However, from the viewpoint ofproducing a polymer composition exhibiting an excellent balance ofstiffness and impact resistance, it is preferred that the livingterminal (to which the functional group-containing first-order modifieris addition-bonded) is of polymer block A.

[0274] With respect to the functional group-containing first-ordermodifier, it is recommended that the amount of functionalgroup-containing first-order modifier used for producing the first-ordermodified block copolymer is from more than 0.5 equivalent to not morethan 10 equivalents, preferably from more than 0.7 equivalent to notmore than 5 equivalents, more preferably from more than 1 equivalent tonot more than 4 equivalents, relative to one equivalent of the livingterminal of the base block copolymer. In the present invention, theamount of the living terminal of the base block copolymer can becalculated from the amount of the organolithium compound used in thecopolymerization reaction for producing the base block copolymer.

[0275] In the present invention, if desired, a hydrogenation product ofthe first-order modified block copolymer can be obtained by partial orcomplete hydrogenation of the first-order modified block copolymer. Thehydrogenation is performed after the first-order modification and priorto the second-order modification. With respect to the hydrogenationcatalyst, there is no particular limitation, and any of the conventionalhydrogenation catalysts can be used. Examples of hydrogenation catalystsinclude:

[0276] (1) a carried, heterogeneous hydrogenation catalyst comprising acarrier (such as carbon, silica, alumina or diatomaceous earth) havingcarried thereon a metal, such as Ni, Pt, Pd or Ru;

[0277] (2) the so-called Ziegler type hydrogenation catalyst which usesa transition metal salt (such as an organic acid salt or acetylacetonesalt of a metal, such as Ni, Co, Fe or Cr) in combination with areducing agent, such as an organoaluminum; and

[0278] (3) a homogeneous hydrogenation catalyst, such as the so-calledorganometal complex, e.g., an organometal compound containing a metal,such as Ti, Ru, Rh or Zr. Specific examples of hydrogenation catalystsinclude those which are described in Examined Japanese PatentApplication Publication Nos. Sho 42-8704 (corresponding to U.S. Pat. No.3,706,814), Sho 43-6636 (corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 3,333,024), Sho63-4841 (corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 4,501,857), Hei 1-37970(corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 4,673,714), Hei 1-53851, and Hei 2-9041.As preferred examples of hydrogenation catalysts, there can be mentioneda titanocene compound and a mixture of a titanocene compound and areductive organometal compound.

[0279] Examples of titanocene compounds include those which aredescribed in Unexamined Japanese Patent Application Laid-OpenSpecification No. Hei 8-109219. As specific examples of titanocenecompounds, there can be mentioned compounds, each independently havingat least one ligand (e.g., biscyclopentadienyltitanium dichloride andmonopentamethylcyclopentadienyltitanium trichloride) having a(substituted) cyclopentadienyl skeleton, an indenyl skeleton or afluorenyl skeleton. Examples of reductive organometal compounds includeorganic alkali metal compounds, such as an organolithium compound; anorganomagnesium compound; an organoaluminum compound; an organoboroncompound; and an organozinc compound.

[0280] It is preferred that the hydrogenation reaction for producing thehydrogenation product is performed at 0 to 200° C., more advantageously30 to 150° C. It is recommended that the hydrogen pressure in thehydrogenation reaction is preferably in the range of from 0.1 to 15 MPa,more preferably from 0.2 to 10 MPa, still more preferably from 0.3 to 5MPa. The hydrogenation reaction time is preferably in the range of from3 minutes to 10 hours, more preferably from 10 minutes to 5 hours. Thehydrogenation reaction may be performed either in a batchwise manner orin a continuous manner. Further, the hydrogenation reaction may beperformed in a manner wherein a batchwise operation and a continuousoperation are used in combination.

[0281] When the first-order modified block copolymer is subjected tohydrogenation, there is no particular limitation with respect to thehydrogenation ratio as measured with respect to the unsaturated doublebonds in the conjugated diene monomer units, and the hydrogenation ratiocan be appropriately controlled to a desired level.

[0282] In the present invention, with respect to the hydrogenationproduct of the first-order modified block copolymer, from the viewpointof obtaining a polymer composition having excellent heat stability, itis recommended that the hydrogenation ratio as measured with respect tothe vinyl bonds in the conjugated diene monomer units is preferably 85%or more, more preferably 90% or more, still more preferably 95% or more.Herein, the hydrogenation ratio with respect to the vinyl bonds is theratio of hydrogenated vinyl bonds, based on the vinyl bonds in theconjugated diene monomer units of the base block copolymer (prior tohydrogenation).

[0283] There is no particular limitation with respect to thehydrogenation ratio as measured with respect to the aromatic doublebonds in the vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer units of the first-ordermodified block copolymer. However, it is recommended that thehydrogenation ratio is preferably not more than 50%, more preferably notmore than 30%, still more preferably not more than 20%.

[0284] The hydrogenation ratio can be measured by a method using anuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) apparatus.

[0285] In the present invention, the second-order modified blockcopolymer is a modified block copolymer which can be obtained, forexample, by reacting the above-mentioned first-order modified blockcopolymer (I-1) (i.e., semimodified block copolymer) with a second-ordermodifier having a functional group which is reactive to the functionalgroup of the first-order modifier group of the first-order modifiedblock copolymer (hereinafter, the second-order modifier is frequentlyreferred to under reference numeral (III)), thereby obtaining thesecond-order modified block copolymer (hereinafter frequently referredto under reference numeral (I)), wherein the second-order modified blockcopolymer is represented by a formula selected from the group consistingof the above-mentioned formulae (1) to (5).

[0286] As described hereinabove, the second-order modified blockcopolymer used in the present invention can be produced, for example, bya method in which a base block copolymer having a living terminal isproduced by a living anionic polymerization in the presence of anorganolithium compound as a catalyst, and then, the produced base blockcopolymer is reacted with a first-order modifier to obtain thefirst-order modified block copolymer, whereupon, the obtainedfirst-order modified block copolymer is reacted with a second-ordermodifier, thereby obtaining the second-order modified block copolymer.Examples of the above-mentioned “base block copolymer having a livingterminal”, “first-order modified block copolymer” and “second-ordermodified block copolymer” can be, respectively, diagrammatically shownby the following diagrams (i), (ii) and (iii):

[0287] (i)

[0288] (ii)

[0289] (iii)

[0290] wherein each

represents the base block copolymer; Li represents a lithium ion; Mrepresents the first-order modifier group; and D represents thesecond-order modifier group.

[0291] In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided amethod for producing the second-order modified block copolymer of thepresent invention, comprising:

[0292] (1) providing a first-order modified block copolymer comprising:

[0293] a base block copolymer comprising at least one polymer block (A)comprised mainly of vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer units and atleast one polymer block (B) comprised mainly of conjugated diene monomerunits, the amounts of the vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer units andthe conjugated diene monomer units in the base block copolymer being,respectively, 5 to 95% by weight and 95 to 5% by weight, based on thetotal weight of the vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer units and theconjugated diene monomer units, and

[0294] a functional group-containing first-order modifier group bondedto the base block copolymer,

[0295] the base block copolymer being unhydrogenated or at leastpartially hydrogenated,

[0296] wherein the first-order modified block copolymer is produced by aprocess in which a base block copolymer having a living terminal isproduced by a living anionic polymerization, and a functionalgroup-containing first-order modifier is addition-bonded to the livingterminal of the base block copolymer to obtain a first-order modifiedblock copolymer, optionally followed by partial or completehydrogenation of the obtained first-order modified block copolymer,wherein the first-order modified block copolymer is represented by aformula selected from the group consisting of the above-mentionedformulae (6) to (10), and

[0297] (2) reacting the first-order modified block copolymer with asecond-order modifier, wherein the second-order modifier has afunctional group which is reactive to the functional group of thefirst-order modifier group of the first-order modified block copolymer,and wherein the second-order modifier is used in an amount of 0.3 to 10moles, relative to one equivalent of the functional group of thefirst-order modifier group of the first-order modified block copolymer,

[0298] thereby obtaining a second-order modified block copolymer.

[0299] In the second-order modified block copolymer of the presentinvention, the functional group of the functional group-containing groupX¹ (which is the second-order modifier group) is reactive to afunctional group-containing thermoplastic resin and/or functionalgroup-containing rubbery polymer, an inorganic filler or the like. Inaddition, in the second-order modified block copolymer, both thefirst-order modifier group and the second-order modifier group contain anitrogen atom, an oxygen atom or a carbonyl group. Between these atomsand group and the polar groups of the thermoplastic resin and/or rubberypolymer, inorganic filler or the like, interactions due to a physicalaffinity, such as a hydrogen bond or the like, are effectively caused tooccur, thereby exerting the effects aimed at by the present invention.

[0300] The second-order modifier used in the present invention is asecond-order modifier having a functional group which is reactive to thefunctional group of the first-order modifier group of the first-ordermodified block copolymer (i.e., semimodified block copolymer (I-1)).Preferred examples of second-order modifiers are as follows. A preferredexample of a second-order modifier which can be used for obtaining asecond-order modified block copolymer having a functional grouprepresented by the above-mentioned formula (n) is a second-ordermodifier having a carboxyl group or an acid anhydride group; a preferredexample of a second-order modifier which can be used for obtaining asecond-order modified block copolymer having a functional grouprepresented by the above-mentioned formula (o) is a second-ordermodifier having an isocyanate group; a preferred example of asecond-order modifier which can be used for obtaining a second-ordermodified block copolymer having a functional group represented by theabove-mentioned formula (p) is a second-order modifier having an epoxygroup; and a preferred example of a second-order modifier which can beused for obtaining a second-order modified block copolymer having afunctional group represented by the above-mentioned formula (q) is asecond-order modifier having a silanol group or an alkoxysilane group.The second-order modifier (III) has at least two such functional groups.However, in the case where the functional group of the second-ordermodifier (III) is an acid anhydride group, the second-order modifier(III) can be a second-order modifier having only one acid anhydridegroup. When the first-order modified block copolymer (i.e., semimodifiedblock copolymer (I-1)) is reacted with the second-order modifier (III),it is recommended that the amount of the second-order modifier (III) isfrom 0.3 to 10 moles, preferably from 0.4 to 5 moles, more preferablyfrom 0.5 to 4 moles, relative to one equivalent of the functional groupof the first-order modifier group of the first-order modified blockcopolymer (I-1). There is no particular limitation with respect to themethod for reacting the first-order modified block copolymer (I-1) withthe second-order modifier (III), and a conventional method can beemployed. Examples of conventional methods include a method usingmelt-kneading (described below) and a method (described below) in whichthe components are reacted with each other in a state in which they aredissolved or dispersed together in a solvent. In the latter, there is noparticular limitation with respect to the solvent as long as it iscapable of dissolving or dispersing each of the components. Examples ofsolvents include hydrocarbon solvents, such as an aliphatic hydrocarbon,an alicyclic hydrocarbon and an aromatic hydrocarbon; halogen-containingsolvents; ester solvents; and ether solvents. In the method in which thecomponents are dissolved or dispersed together in a solvent, thetemperature at which the components are reacted with each other isgenerally −10 to 150° C., preferably 30 to 120° C. The reaction time forthis method varies depending on other conditions, but it is generallywithin 3 hours, preferably from several seconds to 1 hour. As anespecially preferred method for producing the second-order modifiedblock copolymer (I), it is recommended that the second-order modifier(III) is added to a reaction mixture containing the produced first-ordermodified block copolymer (I-1) in situ, to thereby effect a reaction,thus obtaining a second-order modified block copolymer. Further, fromthe viewpoint of obtaining a second-order modified block copolymerhaving excellent colorlessness, it is recommended that, after theaddition-bonding of the functional group-containing first-order modifierto the living terminal of the base block copolymer, the resultantfirst-order modified block copolymer is treated with an activehydrogen-containing compound. Examples of active hydrogen-containingcompounds include water; alcohols, such as methanol, ethanol, propanoland isopropanol; and inorganic acids, such as hydrochloric acid,sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid and carbonic acid. Further, with respectto the above-mentioned treatment using an active hydrogen-containingcompound, from the viewpoint of improving the stability of thesecond-order modifier group of the second-order modified blockcopolymer, it is recommended that, after the above-mentioned treatment,the solution of the first-order modified block copolymer (I-1) isneutralized to a pH value of not more than 10, preferably not more than9, more preferably not more than 8.

[0301] Specific examples of second-order modifiers (III) are as follows.Examples of second-order modifiers having a carboxyl group includealiphatic carboxylic acids, such as maleic acid, oxalic acid, succinicacid, adipic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, dodecanedicarboxylicacid, carbalic acid, cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid andcyclopentanedicarboxylic acid; and aromatic carboxylic acids, such asterephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, o-phthalic acid,naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, biphenyldicarboxylic acid, trimesic acid,trimellitic acid and pyromellitic acid.

[0302] Examples of second-order modifiers having an acid anhydride groupinclude maleic anhydride, itaconic anhydride, pyromellitic anhydride,cis-4-cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylic acid anhydride,1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylic acid dianhydride, and5-(2,5-dioxytetrahydroxyfuryl)-3-methyl-3-cyclohexene-1,2-dicarboxylicacid anhydride.

[0303] Examples of second-order modifiers having an isocyanate groupinclude tolylene diisocyanate, diphenylmethane diisocyanate andmultifunctional aromatic isocyanates.

[0304] Examples of second-order modifiers having an epoxy group includetetraglycidyl-1,3-bisaminomethylcyclohexane,tetraglycidyl-m-xylenediamine, diglycidylaniline, ethylene glycoldiglycidyl, propylene glycol diglycidyl, terephthalic acid diglycidylester acrylate, and the above-mentioned epoxy compounds which areexemplified as first-order modifiers used for obtaining the first-ordermodified block copolymer (I-1).

[0305] Examples of second-order modifiers having a silanol group includehydrolysis products of the above-mentioned alkoxysilane compounds whichare exemplified as first-order modifiers used for obtaining thefirst-order modified block copolymer (I-1). Examples of second-ordermodifiers having an alkoxysilane group includebis-(3-triethoxysilylpropyl)-tetrasulfane,bis-(3-triethoxysilylpropyl)-disulfane, ethoxysiloxane oligomers, andthe above-mentioned silane compounds which are exemplified asfirst-order modifiers used for obtaining the first-order modified blockcopolymer (I-1).

[0306] In the present invention, especially preferred examples ofsecond-order modifiers include a carboxylic acid having 2 or morecarboxyl groups or an anhydride thereof; and second-order modifiershaving 2 or more of a group selected from the group consisting of anacid anhydride group, an isocyanate group, an epoxy group, a silanolgroup or an alkoxysilane group. Specific examples of the especiallypreferred second-order modifiers include maleic anhydride, pyromelliticanhydride, 1,2,4,5-benzenetetra carboxylic acid dianhydride,toluylenediisocyanate, tetraglycidyl-1,3-bisaminomethylcyclohexane, andbis-(3-triethoxysilylpropyl)-tetrasulfane.

[0307] In the present invention, from the viewpoint of improving themechanical strength and impact resistance of the polymer composition, itis preferred that the first-order modified block copolymer and thesecond-order modified block copolymer (which can be obtained, forexample, by reacting the first-order modified block copolymer with asecond-order modifier) have a weight average molecular weight of 30,000or more. Further, from the viewpoint of improving the processability ofthe polymer composition and from the viewpoint of improving thecompatibility of the second-order modified block copolymer with athermoplastic resin and/or rubbery polymer, it is preferred that thefirst-order modified block copolymer and the second-order modified blockcopolymer have a weight average molecular weight of 1,000,000 or less,more advantageously from 40,000 to 800,000, still more advantageouslyfrom 50,000 to 600,000.

[0308] In the present invention, the amount of vinyl bonds in theconjugated diene monomer units in the block copolymer can be measured bymeans of a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) apparatus. The hydrogenationratio also can be measured by means of an NMR apparatus. The weightaverage molecular weights of the first-order modified block copolymerand second-order modified block copolymer can be measured by gelpermeation chromatography (GPC), using a calibration curve obtained withrespect to commercially available standard polystyrene samples.

[0309] Thus, each of the first-order modified block copolymer and thesecond-order modified block copolymer can be obtained in the form of asolution. If desired, from the obtained solution, the copolymer may beseparated. If desired, before the separation of the copolymer, acatalyst residue may be separated from the solution. Examples of methodsfor separating the copolymer from the solution include a method in whicha polar solvent (which is a poor solvent for the copolymer), such asacetone or alcohol, is added to the solution containing the copolymer,thereby precipitating the copolymer, followed by recovery of thecopolymer; a method in which the solution containing the copolymer isadded to hot water, while stirring, followed by removal of the solventby steam stripping; and a method in which the solution containing thecopolymer is directly heated to evaporate the solvent. In the presentinvention, the first-order modified block copolymer and the second-ordermodified block copolymer may contain, added thereto, any of theconventional stabilizers, such as phenol type stabilizers, phosphorustype stabilizers, sulfur type stabilizers and amine type stabilizers.

[0310] In the present invention, the second-order modified blockcopolymer (component (I)) can be mixed with at least one polymerselected from the group consisting of a thermoplastic resin and arubbery polymer (hereinafter, the at least one polymer is frequentlyreferred to as “component (II)”), thereby obtaining a polymercomposition which can be advantageously used as a material for producingvarious shaped articles. The ratio of component (I) to component (II)can be appropriately controlled so that each of the components exhibitsa maximum effect thereof. The weight ratio of component (I) to component(II) (component (I)/component (II) weight ratio) is generally in therange of from 1/99 to 99/1, preferably from 2/98 to 90/10, morepreferably from 5/95 to 70/30. When component (II) is a thermoplasticresin, it is recommended that the component (I)/component (II) weightratio is in the range of from 2/98 to 90/10, preferably from 5/95 to60/40, more preferably from 10/90 to 40/60. With respect to the polymercomposition comprising components (I) and (II), the second-ordermodifier component (III) may be further added thereto in an amount offrom 0.01 to 20 parts by weight, preferably from 0.02 to 10 parts byweight, more preferably from 0.05 to 7 parts by weight, relative to 100parts by weight of the total of components (I) and (II).

[0311] When the second-order modified block copolymer of the presentinvention is blended with a thermoplastic resin, the resultant polymercomposition exhibits excellent impact resistance and excellent moldingprocessability.

[0312] Examples of thermoplastic resins usable as component (II) includea block copolymer of a conjugated diene monomer and a vinyl aromaticmonomer (which are described above in connection with the production ofthe base block copolymer); a polymer of the above-mentioned vinylaromatic monomer; a copolymer of the above-mentioned vinyl aromaticmonomer with at least one vinyl monomer (other than the vinyl aromaticmonomer), such as ethylene, propylene, butylene, vinyl chloride andvinylidene chloride; a rubber-modified styrene resin (HIPS); anacrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene copolymer resin (ABS); a methacrylicester/butadiene/styrene copolymer resin (MBS); an olefin polymer; acyclic olefin polymer, such as an ethylene/norbornene resin; apolybutene resin; a polyvinyl chloride resin; a polyvinyl acetate resin;a polymer of acrylic acid, or an ester or amide thereof; a polyacrylateresin; a polymer of acrylonitrile and/or methacrylonitrile; a nitrileresin which is a copolymer of (meth)acrylonitrile with a comonomercopolymerizable with (meth)acrylonitrile and which has a(meth)acrylonitrile monomer unit content of 50% by weight or more; apolyamide resin; a polyester resin; a thermoplastic polyurethane resin;a polycarbonate resin; a thermoplastic polysulfone, such as a polyethersulfone and a polyallylsulfone; a polyoxymethylene resin; apolyphenylene ether resin; a polyphenylene sulfide resin, such aspolyphenylene sulfide and poly-4,4′-diphenylene sulfide; a polyallylateresin; an ether ketone homopolymer or copolymer; a polyketone resin; afluororesin; a polyoxybenzoyl polymer; a polyimide resin; a polymerhaving a structure in which a chain hydrocarbon polymer is partially orcompletely substituted with fluorine, e.g., a fluororesin, such aspolytetrafluoroethylene and atetrafluoroethylene/perfluoroalkylvinylether copolymer; and apolybutadiene resin, such as 1,2-polybutadiene or trans-polybutadiene.Each of these thermoplastic resins may be modified using thesecond-order modifier (III). The number average molecular weight of thethermoplastic resin used in the present invention is generally 1,000 ormore, preferably in the range of from 5,000 to 5,000,000, morepreferably in the range of from 10,000 to 1,000,000.

[0313] Among the above-mentioned thermoplastic resins, preferred are apolyester resin, a polyamide resin, a polycarbonate resin, apolyurethane resin, a polyphenylene ether resin, and a polyoxymethyleneresin. Each of these thermoplastic resins has a functional group. Thesethermoplastic resins can be used individually or in combination. Thefunctional group-containing thermoplastic resins are advantageous inthat they can react with any of the second-order modified blockcopolymer (component (I)), the first-order modified block copolymer(component (I-1)) and the second-order modifier (component (III)),thereby obtaining a polymer composition exhibiting a remarkably improvedcompatibility between the thermoplastic resin and the other component.

[0314] Further, when the second-order modified block copolymer of thepresent invention is blended with a rubbery polymer, the resultantpolymer composition exhibits excellent properties with respect totensile strength, tensile elongation, and molding processability.

[0315] Examples of rubbery polymers usable as component (II) include abutadiene rubber and a hydrogenation product thereof; astyrene/butadiene rubber and a hydrogenation product thereof (other thanthe modified block copolymer (i.e., second-order modified blockcopolymer) of the present invention); an isoprene rubber; anacrylonitrile/butadiene rubber and a hydrogenation product thereof; anolefin type elastomer, such as a chloroprene rubber, anethylene/propylene rubber, an ethylene/propylene/diene rubber, anethylene/butene/diene rubber, an ethylene/butene rubber, anethylene/hexene rubber or an ethylene/octene rubber; a butyl rubber; anacrylic rubber; a fluororubber; a silicone rubber; a chlorinatedpolyethylene rubber; an epichlorohydrin rubber; an α,β-unsaturatednitrile/acrylic ester-conjugated diene copolymer rubber; a urethanerubber; a polysulfide rubber; a styrene type elastomer, such as astyrene/butadiene block copolymer and a hydrogenation product thereof,and a styrene/isoprene block copolymer and a hydrogenation productthereof; and a natural rubber. Each of these rubbery polymers may bemodified by introducing thereto a functional group, for example, by thesecond-order modifier (III). Preferred examples of such modified rubberypolymers include olefin type elastomers, such as an ethylene-propylenerubber and an ethylene/propylene/diene rubber, each of which hasintroduced thereto a functional group which is selected from the groupconsisting of a hydroxyl group, a carboxyl group, an acid anhydridegroup, an isocyanate group, an epoxy group, an amino group and analkoxysilane group; a styrene type elastomer, such as astyrene/butadiene copolymer rubber and a hydrogenation product thereof(other than the modified block copolymer which is a second-ordermodified block copolymer of the present invention) and astyrene/isoprene copolymer rubber and a hydrogenation product thereof; abutadiene rubber; and an isoprene rubber. The number average molecularweight of the rubbery polymer used in the present invention ispreferably 10,000 or more, more preferably in the range of from 20,000to 1,000,000, still more preferably from 30,000 to 800,000.

[0316] The above-exemplified thermoplastic resins and rubbery polymersmay be used individually or in any combination. With respect to thecombination of different polymers as component (II), there is noparticular limitation. For example, as component (II), it is possible touse a plurality of different thermoplastic resins or a plurality ofdifferent rubbery polymers. Further, it is also possible to use athermoplastic resin and a rubbery polymer in combination.

[0317] In the present invention, there is also provided a polymercomposition comprising:

[0318] 1 to 99% by weight, preferably from 2 to 90% by weight, morepreferably from 5 to 70% by weight, based on the total weight ofcomponents (I-1) and (II), of (I-1) the semimodified (i.e., first-ordermodified) block copolymer, and

[0319] 99 to 1% by weight, preferably from 98 to 10% by weight, morepreferably from 95 to 30% by weight, based on the total weight ofcomponents (I-1) and (II), of (II) at least one polymer selected fromthe group consisting of a thermoplastic resin and a rubbery polymer, and

[0320] 0.01 to 20 parts by weight, preferably from 0.02 to 10 parts byweight, more preferably from 0.05 to 7 parts by weight, relative to 100parts by weight of the total of components (I-1) and (II), of (III) thesecond-order modifier having a functional group which is reactive to thefunctional group of the first-order modifier group of the semimodifiedblock copolymer (1-1).

[0321] When a thermoplastic resin is used as component (II), it isrecommended that the component (1-1)/component (II) weight ratio is inthe range of from 2/98 to 90/10, preferably from 5/95 to 60/40, morepreferably from 10/90 to 40/60.

[0322] In the polymer composition, it is preferred that thethermoplastic resin as component (II) is a functional group-containingthermoplastic resin and the rubbery polymer as component (II) is afunctional group-containing rubbery polymer. Further, when component(II) contains a functional group, it is recommended to use either asecond-order modifier (III) having a functional group which is reactiveto both the functional group of component (I) and the functional groupof component (II), or a second-order modifier (III) having a functionalgroup which is reactive to both the functional group of the first-ordermodifier group of component (I-1) and the functional group of component(II).

[0323] Specific examples of functional group-containing thermoplasticresins include a polyester resin; a polyamide resin; a polycarbonateresin; a polyurethane resin; a polymer containing in the main chainthereof an imide linkage, such as polyimide, polyaminobismaleimide(polybismaleimide), a bismaleimide triazine resin or a polyimide resin(e.g., polyamide-imide or polyether imide); a polyoxymethylene resin,such as a homopolymer of formaldehyde or trioxane, or a copolymer offormaldehyde or trioxane and at least one member selected from the groupconsisting of an aldehyde other than formaldehyde or trioxane, a cyclicether, an epoxide, an isocyanate and a vinyl compound; a polysulfoneresin, such as polyether sulfone or polyallylsulfone; a polyphenyleneether resin, such as poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene) ether; apolyphenylene sulfide resin, such as polyphenylene sulfide orpoly-4,4′-diphenylene sulfide; a polyallylate resin which is acondensation polymer produced from bisphenol A and phthalic acid; and apolyketone resin.

[0324] Further examples of functional group-containing thermoplasticresins include a copolymer of a vinyl aromatic compound with at leastone vinyl monomer (other than the vinyl aromatic compound), such asvinyl acetate, acrylic acid and an ester thereof (e.g., methylacrylate), acrylonitrile and methacrylonitrile; anacrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene copolymer resin (ABS); amethacrylate/butadiene/styrene copolymer resin (MBS); a copolymer ofethylene with a comonomer copolymerizable with ethylene, which has anethylene monomer unit content of 50% by weight or more (e.g., anethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer or a hydrolysis product thereof); apolyethylene resin (e.g., an ethylene/acrylic acid ionomer); a copolymerof propylene with a comonomer copolymerizable with propylene, which hasa propylene monomer unit content of 50% by weight or more, such as apolypropylene resin (e.g., a propylene/ethyl acrylate copolymer); and apolyvinyl acetate resin which is a copolymer of vinyl acetate with acomonomer copolymerizable with vinyl acetate, which has a vinyl acetatemonomer unit content of 50% by weight or more, or a hydrolysis productthereof.

[0325] Still further examples of functional group-containingthermoplastic resins include a polymer of acrylic acid or an ester oramide thereof; a polymer of methacrylic acid or an ester or amidethereof; a polyacrylate resin which is a copolymer of such a(meth)acrylic monomer with a comonomer copolymerizable therewith andwhich has an acrylic monomer unit content of 50% by weight or more; apolymer of acrylonitrile and/or methacrylonitrile; a nitrile resin whichis a copolymer of (meth)acrylonitrile with a comonomer copolymerizablewith (meth)acrylonitrile and which has a (meth)acrylonitrile monomerunit content of 50% by weight or more; a polyoxybenzoyl type polymer,such as a homopolymer or copolymer obtained by polycondensation ofparahydroxybenzoic acid, terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid,4,4′-dihydroxydiphenyl or derivatives thereof.

[0326] The polyester resin used in the present invention contains in themolecule thereof an ester linkage. A representative example of suchpolyester resin is a polyester which has a structure obtained by apolycondensation of a dicarboxylic acid with a glycol, specifically astructure obtained by subjecting at least one member selected from agroup consisting of a dicarboxylic acid, a lower ester thereof, an acidhalide thereof and an anhydride thereof, to a polycondensation with aglycol. Examples of aromatic dicarboxylic acids or aliphaticdicarboxylic acids used as a raw material for the polyester resininclude oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, pimelicacid, suberic acid, adipic acid, sebacic acid, azelaic acid,1,9-nonanedicarboxylic acid, 1,10-decanedicarboxylic acid,1,16-hexadecanedicarboxylic acid, terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid,p,p′-dicarboxydiphenyl, p-carboxyphenoxyacetic acid and 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid. These dicarboxylic acids can be used individually orin combination. Of these, preferred are terephthalic acid andisophthalic acid, which can be used in combination. With respect to theglycol (also called “diol”) used as the other raw material for thepolyester resin, there are two types of glycols, namely aliphaticglycols and aromatic glycols, such as ethylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol,1,2-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,4-cyclohexanediol,1,10-decanediol, neopentyl glycol and p-xylene glycol. These glycols(diols) can be used individually or in combination. Of these, preferredare ethylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol and 1,4-butanediol.

[0327] As examples of polyester resins other than those mentioned above,there can be mentioned polylactones obtained by a ring-openingpolymerization of a lactone, such as pivalolactone, β-propiolactone,ε-caprolactone or the like. These polyester resins can be usedindividually or in combination.

[0328] With respect to examples of polyamide resins used in the presentinvention, there can be mentioned a polycondensate of a dicarboxylicacid and a diamine, a polycondensate of an α-aminocarboxylic acid, and aring-opening polymerization product of a lactam. Specific examples ofsuch polyamide resins include nylon-4,6, nylon-6, nylon-6,6, nylon-6,10,nylon-11, nylon-12 and copolymers thereof (e.g., a nylon-6/nylon-6,6copolymer and a nylon-6/nylon-12 copolymer). It is preferred that thesepolyamide resins have a melting temperature in the range of from 150 to270° C. When an improved processability of the polymer composition isdesired, it is more preferred that the melting temperature is 260° C. orlower. The above-mentioned polyamide resins can be used individually orin combination.

[0329] The polycarbonate resin used in the present invention is apolymer which can be obtained by the reaction between a divalent orpolyvalent phenolic compound and a carbonate precursor. There are avariety of divalent phenolic compounds; for example,2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane (so-called “bisphenol A”),bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)methane,2,2-bis(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethylphenyl)propane,2,2-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)propane, bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)sulfone,1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)cyclohexane and1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane.

[0330] Preferred examples of divalent phenolic compounds includebis(4-hydroxyphenyl)alkanes, especially bisphenol A. These divalentphenolic compounds can be used individually or in combination. Withrespect to the carbonate precursor, for example, there can be mentioneda carbonyl halide, a carbonyl ester and a haloformate. Morespecifically, the carbonate precursor is at least one member selectedfrom the group consisting of phosgene, diphenyl carbonate and adihaloformate of a divalent phenolic compound.

[0331] The viscosity average molecular weight of the polycarbonate resinused in the present invention is preferably 10,000 or more, from theviewpoint of improving the strength and heat resistance of the polymercomposition. From the viewpoint of improving the processability of thepolymer composition, it is preferred that the viscosity averagemolecular weight of the polycarbonate resin is 60,000 or less, moreadvantageously from 12,000 to 45,000, still more advantageously from13,000 to 35,000. In the present invention, the viscosity averagemolecular weight (M) is calculated from the specific viscosity value, asmeasured with respect to a solution obtained by dissolving 0.7 g of thepolycarbonate resin in 100 ml of a methylene chloride at 20° C.

[0332] The polyurethane resin used in the present invention is obtainedby a polyaddition reaction between a diisocyanate and a diol andcontains, for example, a polymer block (as a soft segment) comprising apolyol (i.e., polyester or polyether) and a polymer block (as a hardsegment) comprising a diisocyanate and a glycol. Examples of polyesterdiols used as a raw material for the polyurethane resin includepoly(1,4-butylene adipate), poly(1,6-hexane adipate) andpolycaprolactone. On the other hand, examples of polyether diols used asa raw material for the polyurethane resin include polyethylene glycol,polypropylene glycol and polyoxytetramethylene glycol.

[0333] Examples of glycols used as a raw material for the polyurethaneresin include ethylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol and1,6-hexanediol. Examples of diisocyanates used as a raw material for thepolyurethane resin include aromatic diisocyanates, alicyclicdiisocyanates and aliphatic diisocyanates, such as tolylenediisocyanate, 4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, hexamethylenediisocyanate and isophorone diisocyanate.

[0334] The weight average molecular weight of the polyurethane resinused in the present invention is preferably in the range of from 5,000to 500,000, more preferably from 10,000 to 300,000, from the viewpointof obtaining a polymer composition which exhibits excellent mechanicalproperties.

[0335] With respect to the polyphenylene ether resin used in the presentinvention, there is no particular limitation, and any conventionalpolyphenylene ether resin can be used. Specific examples ofpolyphenylene ether resins include poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenyleneether), poly(2-methyl-6-ethyl-1,4-phenylene ether),poly(2,6-diphenyl-1,4-phenylene ether),poly(2-methyl-6-phenyl-1,4-phenylene ether),poly(2,6-dichloro-1,4-phenylene ether), and modification productsthereof (e.g., products obtained by modification with maleic anhydride).Also preferred is a copolymer of 2,6-dimethylphenol and a phenoliccompound other than 2,6-dimethylphenol (e.g., 2,3,6-trimethylphenol or2-methyl-6-butylphenol). Of these, especially preferred arepoly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether), a copolymer of2,6-dimethylphenol and 2,3,6-trimethylphenol, and modification productsthereof. It is recommended that the polyphenylene ether resin has areduced viscosity preferably in the range of from 0.05 to 0.70, morepreferably from 0.10 to 0.60, still more preferably from 0.15 to 0.60(as measured at 30° C. with respect to a 0.5 g/dl solution of thepolyphenylene ether in chloroform). From the viewpoint of obtaining apolymer composition which exhibits especially excellent mechanicalstrength, it is recommended to use a polyphenylene ether having areduced viscosity in the range of from 0.30 to 0.60.

[0336] With respect to the polyoxymethylene resin used in the presentinvention, for example, there can be mentioned a homopolymer obtained bypolymerization of formaldehyde or trioxane, and a copolymer comprisedmainly of formaldehyde or trioxane. The homopolymer as thepolyoxymethylene resin is generally used in a modified form in which aterminal group of the homopolymer is converted to an ester group or anether group, to thereby impart improved heat and chemical resistances tothe homopolymer. As an example of the above-mentioned copolymer as thepolyoxymethylene resin, there can be mentioned a copolymer offormaldehyde or trioxane and at least one member selected from the groupconsisting of an aldehyde other than formaldehyde or trioxane, a cyclicether, a cyclic carbonate, an epoxide, an isocyanate, and a vinylcompound.

[0337] If desired, the polymer composition of the present invention mayfurther contain any of the conventional additives. There is noparticular limitation with respect to the type of the additive so longas it is an additive which is generally used in combination with athermoplastic resin or a rubbery polymer.

[0338] Examples of conventional additives include an inorganic filler,such as a metal hydroxide, a silica type inorganic filler and a metaloxide; and an organic filler. The amount of the inorganic filler ororganic filler is generally in the range of from 0.5 to 2,000 parts byweight, preferably from 1 to 1,000 parts by weight, more preferably from3 to 500 parts by weight, relative to 100 parts by weight of component(I) or component (I-1), from the viewpoint of obtaining a good balanceof the effect of the added filler and the processability of the polymercomposition.

[0339] The metal hydroxides used as the inorganic filler are hydratetype inorganic fillers, such as aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide,zirconium hydroxide, hydrated aluminum silicate, hydrated magnesiumsilicate, basic magnesium carbonate, hydrotalcite, calcium hydroxide,barium hydroxide, hydrated tin oxide and hydrated inorganic metalcompounds, such as borax. Further examples of metal hydroxides include amixture of two or more different metal hydroxides, and a mixture of ametal hydroxide and an inorganic filler other than a metal hydroxide.

[0340] The silica type inorganic filler used as the additive is a solidparticle comprised mainly of SiO₂ or Si₃Al. Examples of silica typeinorganic fillers include silica, clay, talc, kaolin clay, mica,wollastonite, bentonite, montmorillonite, zeolite, diatomaceous earth,synthetic silica, a glass bead, a glass balloon, a glass flake and afibrous inorganic substance, such as a glass fiber. Further examples ofsilica type inorganic fillers include a silica type inorganic fillerhaving its surface rendered hydrophobic, a mixture of two or moredifferent silica type inorganic fillers, and a mixture of a silica typeinorganic filler and a non-silica type inorganic filler. Specificexamples of silicas include a white carbon produced by the dry process,a white carbon produced by the wet process, a synthetic silicate typewhite carbon and the so-called colloidal silica.

[0341] The metal oxide used as the additive is a solid particlecomprised mainly of M_(x)O_(y) (wherein M represents a metal atom, andeach of x and y independently represents an integer of from 1 to 6).Examples of metal oxides include alumina, titanium oxide, magnesiumoxide, zinc oxide and iron oxide. Further, the metal oxide may be amixture of two or more different metal oxides or may be used in the formof a mixture of a metal oxide and an inorganic filler other than a metaloxide.

[0342] These inorganic fillers may be used individually or incombination. Further examples of inorganic fillers include calciumcarbonate, magnesium carbonate, barium carbonate, calcium silicate,calcium sulfate, calcium sulfite, titanium oxide, potassium titanate,barium sulfate, barium titanate, zinc oxide, asbestos and a slag wool.

[0343] Examples of organic fillers include a carbon black, an acetyleneblack and a furnace black. Examples of carbon blacks include carbonblacks of various grades, such as FT, SRF, FEF, HAF, ISAF and SAF. It ispreferred that the carbon black used has a specific surface area (asmeasured by the nitrogen adsorption method) of 50 mg/g or more.

[0344] The inorganic filler used in the present invention may besubjected to surface treatment prior to use, by using as a surfacetreating agent. Examples of surface treating agents include an aliphaticacid, such as stearic acid, oleic acid or palmitic acid, or a metal saltthereof; a paraffin, a wax, a polyethylene wax or modification productsthereof; an organometal compound, such as an organoborane or anorganotitanate; and a silane coupling agent.

[0345] With respect to the silane coupling agent, those silane couplingagents generally used for treating an inorganic filler, such as silica,can be used. Examples of silane coupling agents include3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane, 3-mercaptopropylmethyldimethoxysilane,vinyltrimethoxysilane and vinyltriethoxysilane. In the presentinvention, as an especially preferred example of a silane couplingagent, there can be mentioned a compound containing a silanol group oran alkoxysilane as well as at least one member selected from the groupconsisting of a mercapto group and a polysulfide linkage containing twoor more sulfur atoms. Specific preferred examples of silane couplingagents include 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane,3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, bis[3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl]tetrasulfide,bis[3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl]disulfide,bis[3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl]trisulfide,bis[2-(triethoxysilyl)ethyl]tetrasulfide,3-triethoxysilylpropyl-N,N-dimethylthiocarbamoyltetrasulfide,3-trimethoxysilylpropyl-N,N-dimethylthiocarbamoyltetrasulfide,3-triethoxysilylpropylbenzothiazoletetrasulfide, and3-trimethoxysilylpropylbenzothiazoletetrasulfide.

[0346] From the viewpoint of obtaining a satisfactory reinforcing effectof the added inorganic filler on the polymer composition, the amount ofthe silane coupling agent is generally in the range of from 0.1 to 20%by weight, preferably from 0.5 to 18% by weight, more preferably from 1to 15% by weight, based on the weight of the filler. The silane couplingagent may be used in combination with sulfur or an inorganic peroxide.

[0347] In the present invention, for improving the processability of thepolymer composition, a rubber-softening agent (VII) (hereinafterfrequently referred to as “component (VII)”) may be added. As therubber-softening agent (VII), it is suitable to use a mineral oil, or aliquid or low molecular weight synthetic softening agent. It ispreferred to use, for example, the following softening agents: a mineraloil type rubber-softening agent called “process oil” or “extender oil”,which is generally used for softening a rubber, for increasing thevolume of a rubber or for improving the processability of a rubber; apolybutene; a low molecular weight polybutadiene; a liquid paraffin; amineral oil; an organic polysiloxane; a castor oil; and a linseed oil.The softening agent may be added to the modified block copolymer of thepresent invention just after the production thereof. With respect to thetype of rubber-softening agent, from the viewpoint of obtaining apolymer composition exhibiting a less discoloration, it is preferred touse a naphthene type softening agent and/or a paraffin type softeningagent. The amount of the rubber-softening agent used in the polymercomposition is generally in the range of from 0 to 200 parts by weight,preferably from 0 to 100 parts by weight, relative to 100 parts byweight of component (I) or component (I-1).

[0348] In the polymer composition of the present invention, there mayalso be used conventional additives other than those mentioned above.Examples of other conventional additives include those as described in“Gomu Purasuchikku Haigou Yakuhin (Additives for Rubber and Plastic)”(published by Rubber Digest Co., Ltd., Japan (1968)), such as anantioxidant; an ultraviolet absorber; a light stabilizer; a lubricant,such as stearic acid, behenic acid, zinc stearate, calcium stearate,magnesium stearate or etylenebisstearoamide; a mold release agent; aparaffin; a plasticizer; a flame retardant; an antistatic agent; areinforcing filler, such as an organic fiber, a carbon fiber and a metalwhisker; and a pigment or a coloring agent.

[0349] With respect to the method for producing the polymer compositionof the present invention, there is no particular limitation, and any ofthe conventional methods can be employed. For example, the polymercomposition of the present invention can be produced by a melt-kneadingmethod using a conventional mixing machine, such as a Banbury mixer, asingle-screw extruder, a twin-screw extruder, a co-kneader, or amulti-screw extruder, or a method in which the components for thecomposition are added to a solvent, to thereby obtain a solution ordispersion of a mixture of the components in the solvent, followed byheating to remove the solvent. From the viewpoint of productivity of thecomposition and uniform mixing of the components of the composition, itis preferred to use the melt-kneading method using an extruder. Withrespect to the form of the polymer composition, there is no particularlimitation, and the composition may be in the form of a pellet, a sheet,a strand or a chip. Further, immediately after the melt-kneading, theresultant molten composition can be directly formed into a shapedarticle.

[0350] In the production of the polymer composition of the presentinvention, there is no particular limitation with respect to the orderof the mixing of the components. For example, the mixing of thecomponents may be performed by a method in which all components aremixed together at a time, or in a method in which some of the componentsare first mixed together to thereby obtain a preliminary mixture,followed by mixing of the remainder of the components into thepreliminary mixture. It is especially preferred to employ a method inwhich components (I) and (II) are mixed together by a melt-kneadingmethod, or a method in which components (I-1), (II) and (III) are mixedtogether by a melt-kneading method.

[0351] In the present invention, the melt-kneading temperature forproducing the polymer composition can be chosen in accordance with thesoftening temperature or melting temperature of the thermoplastic resinor rubbery polymer used. However, from the viewpoint of obtaining thedesired melt viscosity of the thermoplastic resin and of preventing aheat deterioration of the rubbery polymer, component (I) (i.e., thesecond-order modified block copolymer) and component (I-1) (i.e., thefirst-order modified block copolymer) or a hydrogenation productthereof, it is generally preferred that the melt-kneading temperature isin the range of from 50 to 350° C., more advantageously from 100 to 330°C., still more advantageously from 130 to 300° C. Further, from theviewpoint of improving the degree of mixing (i.e., dispersibility) ofthe components, of improving the productivity of the polymer compositionand of preventing a deterioration of the components, the melt-kneadingtime (or the average residence time of the components in the mixingmachine used for performing the melt-kneading) is preferably in therange of from 0.2 to 60 minutes, more preferably from 0.5 to 30 minutes,still more preferably from 1 to 20 minutes.

[0352] Each of the second-order modified block copolymer and polymercomposition of the present invention, as such or in combination withvarious additives, can be formed into a practically useful shapedarticle by using a conventional molding method. Examples of conventionalmolding methods include extrusion molding method, injection moldingmethod, two-color injection molding method, sandwich molding method,blow molding method, compression molding method, vacuum molding method,rotational molding method, powder slush molding method, foam moldingmethod, laminate molding method and calender molding method. If desired,the thus obtained shaped article may be subjected to processing, such asfoaming, pulverization, stretching, adhesion, printing, painting andplating. By employing such molding methods, the second-order modifiedblock copolymer and polymer composition of the present invention can beindividually formed into various shaped articles, such as a sheet, afilm, injection molded articles having various morphologies, a blowmolded article, an article made by air-pressure forming, a vacuum moldedarticle, an extrusion molded article, a foam-molded article, a nonwovenfabric, a fibrous shaped article and a synthetic leather. The obtainedshaped articles can be advantageously used in various fields, such asthe fields of a raw material for food packaging; a material for medicalequipment; a material for household electrical appliances and partsthereof, electric devices and parts thereof, automobile parts,industrial parts, household goods, toys, footwears and adhesives; and anasphalt modifier.

[0353] Hereinbelow, explanations are made in detail with respect tovarious compositions containing the first-order modified block copolymeror the second-order modified block copolymer as well as an additive, andvarious uses of the compositions.

[0354] <Flame Retardant Polymer Composition>

[0355] The flame retardant polymer composition of the present inventioncan be obtained by using any one of the following methods (i) to (iii):

[0356] (i) a method in which the modified block copolymer (I) (i.e., thesecond-order modified block copolymer) of the present invention isblended with an inorganic filler (VI) and an olefin polymer;

[0357] (ii) a method in which the polymer composition of the presentinvention comprising components (I) and (II) is blended with aninorganic filler (VI); and

[0358] (iii) a method in which the polymer composition of the presentinvention comprising components (I-1), (II) and (III) is blended with aninorganic filler (VI).

[0359] In the flame retardant polymer composition of the presentinvention, the functional group of the functional group-containing groupX¹ of the modified block copolymer (i.e., the second-order modifiedblock copolymer) used as a component, is reactive to the functionalgroup-containing thermoplastic resin and/or functional group-containingrubbery polymer as well as the inorganic filler (VI). In addition, themodified block copolymer contains a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom or acarbonyl group. Between these atoms and group and the polar groups ofthe thermoplastic resin and/or rubbery polymer, and inorganic filler(VI), interactions due to a physical affinity, such as a hydrogen bondor the like, are effectively caused to occur, thereby obtaining theeffects that the flame retardant polymer composition exhibits excellentflame retardancy and high toughness.

[0360] In the present invention, from the viewpoint of obtaining a flameretardant polymer composition having excellent balance of the flameretardancy, tensile strength at break and tensile elongation at break,the inorganic filler (VI) is used generally in an amount of from 10 to2,000 parts by weight, preferably from 20 to 1,000 parts by weight, morepreferably from 25 to 500 parts by weight, relative to 100 parts byweight of component (I) (i.e., the modified block copolymer of thepresent invention), 100 parts by weight of the polymer composition ofthe present invention comprising components (I) and (II), or 100 partsby weight of the polymer composition of the present invention comprisingcomponents (I-1), (II) and (III).

[0361] As the inorganic filler (VI), those inorganic fillers asmentioned above in connection with the polymer composition can be used.

[0362] From the viewpoint of improving the flame retardancy of the flameretardant polymer composition of the present invention, it is preferredto use, as the inorganic filler (VI), hydrate type inorganic fillers,such as aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, zirconium hydroxide,hydrated aluminum silicate, hydrated magnesium silicate, basic magnesiumcarbonate, hydrotalcite, calcium hydroxide, barium hydroxide, hydratedtin oxide and hydrated inorganic metal compounds, such as borax. Amongthese, especially preferred are magnesium hydroxide and aluminumhydroxide. These inorganic fillers can be used individually or incombination.

[0363] For improving the flame retardancy, if desired, the flameretardant polymer composition of the present invention may furthercontain a phosphorus-containing flame retardant (e.g., an ammoniumpolyphosphate flame retardant or a phosphate flame retardant), asilicone compound, a quartz glass, a flame retardant auxiliary (e.g., aliquid glass or a frit), and a silicon nitride short fiber or the likefor improving the anti-dripping properties.

[0364] Examples of olefin polymers used in the flame retardant polymercomposition of the present invention include a homopolymer or copolymerof linear α-olefins (e.g., ethylene, propylene, butene-1, pentene-1,hexene-1, heptene-1 and octene-1); and branched α-olefins (e.g.,4-methylpentene-1,2-methylpropene-1,3-methylpentene-1,5-methylhexene-1,4-methylhexene-1 and4,4-dimethylpentene-1). With respect to the molecular configuration ofthe copolymer produced from the above-mentioned olefins, there is noparticular limitation, and the copolymer may be, for example, any typeselected from the group consisting of a random copolymer, a blockcopolymer, a graft copolymer and a combination thereof. Specificexamples of olefin polymers include polyethylene; a copolymer ofethylene with a comonomer copolymerizable with ethylene, which has anethylene monomer unit content of 50% by weight or more (e.g., anethylene/propylene copolymer, an ethylene/butylene copolymer, anethylene/hexene copolymer or an ethylene/octene copolymer); apolyethylene resin, such as chlorinated polyethylene; polypropylene; acopolymer of propylene with a comonomer copolymerizable with propylene,which has a propylene monomer unit content of 50% by weight or more(e.g., a propylene/ethylene copolymer or a propylene/ethyl acrylatecopolymer); a polypropylene resin, such as chlorinated polypropylene;and polybutene-1.

[0365] Especially preferred examples of olefin polymers includepolyethylene, polypropylene, polybutene-1, a propylene/ethylenecopolymer, a propylene/butene-1 copolymer, a butene-1/ethylene copolymerand a propylene/ethylene/butene-1 copolymer.

[0366] These olefin copolymers can be used individually or incombination.

[0367] In the present invention, from the viewpoint of obtaining a flameretardant polymer composition having excellent balance of the tensilestrength and tensile elongation, the olefin polymer is used generally inan amount of from 0 to 1,000 parts by weight, preferably from 2 to 1,000parts by weight, more preferably from 5 to 800 parts by weight, stillmore preferably from 10 to 500 parts by weight, relative to 100 parts byweight of the modified block copolymer (I) (i.e., the second-ordermodified block copolymer) of the present invention.

[0368] The flame retardant polymer composition of the present inventionnot only exhibits an excellent flame retardancy, but also has advantagesin that the polymer composition generates no toxic gas (e.g., halogengas) even when it is on fire, and that the polymer composition exhibitswell-balanced mechanical properties. Therefore, the flame retardantpolymer composition of the present invention can be advantageously usedas a coating material for electric wires (e.g., an internal wiring foruse in an electrical equipment, and a wiring harness for use in anautomobile) or as a material for an industrial article (e.g., aninsulating tape).

[0369] <Crosslinked Product>

[0370] The crosslinked product of the present invention can be obtainedby subjecting the below-mentioned crosslinkable material (i) tomelt-kneading in the presence of a vulcanizing agent:

[0371] (i) a crosslinkable material comprising component (I) (i.e., thesecond-order modified block copolymer of the present invention) andcomponent (II) (i.e., at least one polymer selected from the groupconsisting of a thermoplastic resin and a rubbery polymer).

[0372] Further, the crosslinked product of the present invention canalso be obtained by subjecting the below-mentioned the polymercomposition (ii) to melt-kneading in the presence of a vulcanizingagent:

[0373] (ii) the polymer composition of the present invention comprisingcomponents (I-1), (II) and (III).

[0374] In the crosslinked product of the present invention, thefunctional group of the functional-group containing group X¹ of themodified block copolymer (i.e., the second-order modified blockcopolymer) used as a component, is reactive to the functionalgroup-containing thermoplastic resin and/or functional group-containingrubbery polymer or the like. In addition, the modified block copolymercontains a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom or a carbonyl group. Betweenthese atoms and group and the polar groups of the thermoplastic resinand/or rubbery polymer or the like, interactions due to a physicalaffinity, such as a hydrogen bond or the like, are effectively caused tooccur, thereby obtaining a polymer composition which exhibits excellentproperties with respect to mechanical strength, oil resistance and thelike.

[0375] In the above-mentioned crosslinkable material, the component(I)/component (II) weight ratio is generally in the range of from 10/90to 100/0, preferably from 20/80 to 90/10, more preferably from 30/70 to80/20. The crosslinkable material may further comprise component (III)in an amount of from 0.01 to 20 parts by weight, relative to 100 partsby weight of component (I).

[0376] Also, when the polymer composition of the present inventioncomprising components (I-1), (II) and (III) is used to produce thecrosslinked product of the present invention, the component(I-1)/component (II) weight ratio in the polymer composition isgenerally in the range of from 10/90 to 100/0, preferably from 20/80 to90/10, more preferably from 30/70 to 80/20. The component (III) isgenerally used in an amount of from 0.01 to 20 parts by weight,preferably from 0.02 to 10 parts by weight, more preferably from 0.05 to7 parts by weight, relative to 100 parts by weight of the total ofcomponents (I-1) and (II).

[0377] In the present invention, the melt-kneading of theabove-mentioned crosslinkable material (i) or polymer composition (ii)in the presence of a vulcanizing agent is performed at a temperature atwhich the vulcanizing agent causes a crosslinking reaction, so as toeffect the mixing of components and the crosslinking reactionsimultaneously. The details of the method for effecting suchmelt-kneading in the presence of a vulcanizing agent are described in A.Y. Coran et al., Rub. Chem. and Technol. vol. 53., 141 (1980). Themelt-kneading in the presence of a vulcanizing agent is performed byusing an enclosed kneader, such as a Banbury mixer or a pressurizingkneader, or a single-screw or twin-screw extruder. The melt-kneading isgenerally conducted at 130 to 300° C., preferably 150 to 250° C., for 1to 30 minutes. In the melt-kneading, an organic peroxide or a phenolresin type crosslinking agent is generally used as the vulcanizingagent.

[0378] With respect to the organic peroxide used as a vulcanizing agent,there can be mentioned conventional organic peroxides as described in“Gomu Purasuchikku Haigou Yakuhin (Additives for Rubber and Plastic)”(published by Rubber Digest Co., Ltd., Japan (1968)). Among those,preferred are dicumyl peroxide, di-tert-butyl peroxide,2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(tert-butylperoxy)hexane,2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(tert-butylperoxy)hexyne-3,1,3-bis(tert-butylperoxyisopropyl)benzene,1,1-bis(tert-butylperoxy)-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane,n-butyl-4,4-bis(tert-butylperoxy)valerate, and di-tert-butyl peroxide.

[0379] Further, when the above-mentioned organic peroxide is used forthe crosslinking (vulcanization) to obtain the desired crosslinkedproduct, it is preferred to use, in combination with the organicperoxide, auxiliary vulcanizing agents. Examples of auxiliaryvulcanizing agents include auxiliaries for use in peroxide crosslinking,such as sulfur, p-quinone dioxime, p,p′-dibenzoylquinonedioxime,N-methyl-N-4-dinitrosoaniline, nitrosobenzene, diphenylguanidine andtrimethylolpropane-N,N′-m-phenylene dimaleimide; divinyl benzene;triallyl cyanurate; multifunctional methacrylate monomers, such asethyleneglycol dimethacrylate, diethyleneglycol dimethacrylate,polyethyleneglycol dimethacrylate, trimethylol propane trimethacrylateand allyl methacrylate; and multifunctional vinyl monomers, such asvinyl butylate and vinyl stearate.

[0380] When performing the melt-kneading of the components for thecrosslinked product in the presence of a vulcanizing agent, thevulcanizing agent is generally used in an amount of from 0.01 to 15parts by weight, preferably from 0.04 to 10 parts by weight, relative to100 parts by weight of component (I) in the case where component (II) isnot used, or relative to 100 parts by weight of the polymer compositionin the case where component (II) is used.

[0381] If desired, the crosslinked product of the present invention maycontain an additive so long as the properties of the crosslinked productare not adversely affected. Examples of additives include a softeningagent, a thermal stabilizer, an antistatic agent, a weatheringstabilizer, an antioxidant, a filler, a coloring agent and a lubricant.When the additive is used, the additive is incorporated into thecomponents for the crosslinked product before the crosslinking reactionis effected.

[0382] The above-mentioned component (VII) (i.e., the rubber-softeningagent) may be used as a softening agent for controlling the hardness andfluidity of the crosslinked product. The amount of the softening agentis generally in the range of from 0 to 200 parts by weight, preferably10 to 150 parts by weight, more preferably 20 to 100 parts by weight,relative to 100 parts by weight of component (I) or (I-1).

[0383] Examples of fillers include calcium carbonate, talc, clay,calcium silicate, magnesium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide. Theamount of the filler is generally in the range of from 0 to 200 parts byweight, preferably 10 to 150 parts by weight, more preferably 20 to 100parts by weight, relative to 100 parts by weight of component (I) or(I-1).

[0384] In the present invention, it is preferred that the crosslinkingis performed so that the content of gel (exclusive of inherentlyinsoluble components, such as the inorganic filler) is 5 to 80% byweight, more advantageously 10 to 70% by weight, still moreadvantageously 20 to 60% by weight, based on the weight of thecrosslinked product. The gel content is determined by the followingmethod. A sample (1 g) of a crosslinked product is refluxed in aSoxhlet's extractor for 10 hours using boiled xylene. The resultantresidue is filtered through an 80-mesh wire mesh. The dry weight (g) ofthe insoluble matters remaining on the filter is measured, and the ratio(% by weight) of the obtained dry weight to the weight of the sample iscalculated. The obtained ratio is defined as the gel content of thecrosslinked product.

[0385] The crosslinked product of the present invention is a compositionwhich exhibits excellent properties with respect to, for example,mechanical strength and oil resistance, and which can be advantageouslyused in the above-mentioned various application fields.

[0386] <Adhesive Composition>

[0387] By adding a tackifier (hereinafter frequently referred to as“component (VIII)”) to component (I) (i.e., the second-order modifiedblock copolymer) or, alternatively, to a mixture of component (I-1)(i.e., the first-order modified block copolymer) or a hydrogenationproduct thereof and component (III) (i.e., the second-order modifier),an adhesive composition can be prepared.

[0388] In the adhesive composition of the present invention, thefunctional group of the functional group-containing group X¹ of themodified block copolymer (i.e., the second-order modified blockcopolymer) used as a component, or the second-order modifier (III) usedas a component, is reactive to the functional group-containing tackifierused as a component. In addition, either the modified block copolymer orthe reaction product between the semimodified block copolymer (i.e.,component (I-1)) and the second-order modifier (i.e., component (III))contains a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom or a carbonyl group. Betweenthese atoms and group and the polar groups of the tackifier (VIII),interactions due to a physical affinity, such as a hydrogen bond or thelike, are effectively caused to occur, thereby obtaining a polymercomposition which exhibits an excellent balance of adhesive properties(e.g., the softening point, adhesion strength and shear adhesion).

[0389] In the production of the adhesive composition of the presentinvention, the above-mentioned component (I) or (I-1) is used. It isespecially preferred that the base block copolymer of the component (I)or (I-1) comprises:

[0390] (a) 20 to 90% by weight, more advantageously 25 to 80% by weightof a block copolymer which comprises as a skeleton thereof a polymerblock (A) comprised mainly of vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer unitsand a polymer block (B) comprised mainly of conjugated diene monomerunits, and

[0391] (b) 80 to 10% by weight, more advantageously 75 to 20% by weightof a block copolymer which comprises as a skeleton thereof at least twopolymer blocks (A) comprised mainly of vinyl aromatic hydrocarbonmonomer units and at least one polymer block (B) comprised mainly ofconjugated diene monomer units.

[0392] When the base block copolymer comprises the above-mentioned baseblock copolymer components (a) and (b), the adhesive compositionexhibits an excellent balance of shear adhesion, adhesion strength andmelt viscosity. It is preferred that the molecular weight of the baseblock copolymer component (a) (as measured by gel permeationchromatography (GPC) using a calibration curve obtained with respect tocommercially available standard polystyrene samples) is from 30,000 to150,000, more advantageously from 40,000 to 140,000, still moreadvantageously from 50,000 to 130,000; and that the molecular weight ofthe base block copolymer component (b) (as measured by gel permeationchromatography (GPC) in the same manner as mentioned above) is from100,000 to 300,000, more advantageously from 120,000 to 280,000, stillmore advantageously from 140,000 to 260,000. Both these preferences aretaken from the viewpoint of obtaining an adhesive composition whichexhibits an excellent balance of shear adhesion, adhesion strength andmelt viscosity.

[0393] With respect to component (VIII) (i.e., the tackifier) used toproduce the adhesive composition of the present invention, there is noparticular limitation, and it is possible to use any conventionaltackifying resins, such as a rosin type terpene resin, a hydrogenatedrosin type terpene resin, a coumarone resin, a phenolic resin, aterpene/phenol resin, an aromatic hydrocarbon resin and an aliphatichydrocarbon resin. These tackifiers can be used individually or incombination. Specific examples of tackifiers include those which aredescribed in the above-mentioned “Gomu Purasuchikku Haigou Yakuhin(Additives for Rubber and Plastic)” (published by Rubber Digest Co.,Ltd., Japan (1968)). The amount of the tackifier is generally from 20 to400 parts by weight, preferably from 50 to 350 parts by weight, relativeto 100 parts by weight of component (I) or (I-1), from the viewpoint ofobtaining an adhesive composition exhibiting an excellent balance ofadhesion strength and shear adhesion.

[0394] The adhesive composition of the present invention may contain theabove-mentioned component (VII) (i.e., the rubber-softening agent) as asoftening agent. The addition of a softening agent to the adhesivecomposition is advantageous in that the viscosity of the adhesivecomposition is reduced, so that the processability and tackiness of theadhesive composition are improved. The amount of the softening agent ispreferably from 0 to 200 parts by weight, more preferably from 0 to 100parts by weight, relative to 100 parts by weight of component (I) or(I-1), from the viewpoint of obtaining an adhesive composition whichexhibits an excellent balance of adhesion strength and shear adhesion.

[0395] Further, if desired, the adhesive composition may contain astabilizer, such as an antioxidant, a light stabilizer or an ultravioletlight absorbent, each of which is described in the above-mentioned “GomuPurasuchikku Haigou Yakuhin (Additives for Rubber and Plastic)”(published by Rubber Digest Co., Ltd., Japan (1968)). Also, if desired,the adhesive composition may contain at least one member selected fromthe group consisting of waxes (such as a paraffin wax, amicrocrystalline wax, and a low molecular weight polyethylene wax);thermoplastic resins (such as polyolefin thermoplastic resins (e.g.,amorphous polyolefin and an ethylene/ethylacrylate copolymer) and lowmolecular weight vinyl aromatic thermoplastic resins); natural rubbers;synthetic rubbers, such as a polyisoprene rubber, a polybutadienerubber, a styrene/butadiene rubber, an ethylene/propylene rubber, achloroprene rubber, an acrylic rubber, an isoprene/isobutylene rubber, apolypentenamer rubber, a styrene/butadiene or styrene/isoprene blockcopolymer other than the semimodified block copolymer used in thepresent invention or the modified block copolymer of the presentinvention.

[0396] With respect to the method for producing the adhesivecomposition, the adhesive composition can be produced by a method inwhich the above-mentioned components for the adhesive composition areuniformly mixed using a conventional mixer or kneader while heating,generally at a temperature of from 150 to 210° C.

[0397] The adhesive composition of the present invention has an improvedsoftening temperature and exhibits an excellent balance of adhesionproperties (e.g., adhesion strength and shear adhesion). By virtue ofthese excellent properties, the adhesive composition can beadvantageously used as a material for an adhesive tape and label, apressure-sensitive lamina, a pressure-sensitive sheet; a back adhesivefor fixing a lightweight plastic shaped article, a back adhesive forfixing a carpet or tile and the like. Especially, the adhesivecomposition can be advantageously used as a material for an adhesivetape and label.

[0398] <Adhesive Film for Protecting a Surface (Hereinafter Referred toas “Surface Protection Adhesive Film”)>

[0399] The surface protection adhesive film of the present invention canbe obtained by forming an adhesive layer on a resin film, wherein theadhesive layer comprises one member selected from the group consistingof an adhesive composition comprising components (I) and (VIII) and anadhesive composition comprising components (I-1), (III) and (VIII). Inthe adhesive layer of the surface protection adhesive film of thepresent invention, the functional group of the functionalgroup-containing group X¹ of the modified block copolymer (i.e., thesecond-order modified block copolymer) used as a component, is reactiveto the functional group-containing tackifier (i.e., component (VIII)).In addition, the modified block copolymer contains a nitrogen atom, anoxygen atom or a carbonyl group. Between these atoms and group and thepolar groups of the tackifier, interacttions due to a physical affinity,such as a hydrogen bond or the like, are effectively caused to occur,thereby obtaining a surface protection adhesive film which exhibitsexcellent properties with respect to anchoring strength and the like.

[0400] In the present invention, the adhesive layer of the surfaceprotection adhesive film generally has a thickness of 200 μm or less,preferably from 5 to 50 μm. On the other hand, the resin film of thesurface protection adhesive film generally has a thickness of 300 μm orless, preferably from 10 to 100 μm.

[0401] In the surface protection adhesive film of the present invention,component (VIII) (i.e., the tackifier) as a component of the adhesivelayer, is generally used in an amount of from 3 to 200 parts by weight,preferably from 5 to 150 parts by weight, more preferably from 10 to 120parts by weight, relative to 100 parts by weight of component (I) or(I-1), from the viewpoint of obtaining a surface protection adhesivefilm exhibiting a good balance of adhesion properties (e.g., theadhesion strength, the adhesion strength after the film adhered on asurface is allowed to stand for a long period of time, and lessoccurrence of left-over glue on a surface after peeling off the adheredfilm therefrom). On the other hand, component (III) is used in an amountof from 0.01 to 20 parts by weight, relative to 100 parts by weight ofcomponent (I-1).

[0402] With respect to the material of the resin film used for producingthe surface protection adhesive film of the present invention, there canbe used a nonpolar resin or a polar resin. Examples of nonpolar resinsinclude a polystyrene resin and a polyolefin resin. As examples ofpolystyrene resins, there can be mentioned polystyrene, a blockcopolymer of styrene and a conjugated diene compound, a homopolymer ofthe above-mentioned vinyl aromatic compounds, a copolymer of theabove-mentioned vinyl aromatic compounds and at least one vinyl monomerother than the vinyl aromatic compounds (e.g., ethylene, propylene,butylene, vinyl chloride or vinylidene chloride); a rubber-modifiedstyrene resin (HIPS); an acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene copolymer resin(ABS); and a methacrylate/butadiene/styrene copolymer resin (MBS). Withrespect to the polyolefin resin used as a nonpolar resin for the resinfilm, the polyolefin resin may contain a thermoplastic olefin elastomer,such as a copolymer rubber produced from two or more α-olefin monomers,or a copolymer rubber produced from an α-olefin monomer and a monomerother than the α-olefin monomer. Examples of such copolymer rubbersinclude an ethylene/propylene copolymer rubber (EPR), an ethylene/butenecopolymer rubber (EBR), an ethylene/octene copolymer rubber, and anethylene/propylene/diene copolymer rubber (EPDM).

[0403] On the other hand, as an example of a polar resin which is usedfor the resin film of the surface protection adhesive film of thepresent invention, there can be mentioned the above-mentioned functionalgroup-containing thermoplastic resins.

[0404] Among these nonpolar and polar resins used as a resin film forproducing the surface protection adhesive film of the present invention,preferred is a resin which can be used to produce a resin film byemploying a melt-extrusion molding method. Preferred examples of suchresins include polyethylene, a homopolymer or block copolymer ofpropylene; a polyester resin, such as polyethylene terephthalate orpolybutylene terephthalate; a polyamide resin; and an ethylene/vinylacetate copolymer or hydrolysates thereof, from the viewpoint of, forexample, obtaining high performance at low cost.

[0405] With respect to the method for producing the surface protectionadhesive film of the present invention, for example, the followingmethod can be employed.

[0406] By using a melt-coextrusion equipment, the adhesive composition(for producing the adhesive layer) and the thermoplastic resin (forproducing the resin film) are simultaneously and individuallymelt-kneaded to form two separate fluids, namely an adhesivelayer-forming fluid and a resin film-forming fluid, and the obtained twofluids are caused to attach to each other in the die so as to form asingle fluid comprising two layers in the die. Then, the single fluid isextruded through the die, to thereby obtain a laminate composite filmcomprising an adhesive layer and a thermoplastic resin film layer. Thus,a surface protection adhesive film has been obtained. Alternatively, thesurface protection adhesive film of the present invention can also beproduced simply by, for example, a method in which an adhesivecomposition is applied to the surface of a resin film, to thereby forman adhesive film.

[0407] The surface protection adhesive film of the present inventionexhibits an excellent anchoring strength (i.e., the adhesion strengthbetween the adhesive layer and the resin film). Therefore, the surfaceprotection adhesive film of the present invention is advantageous, forexample, in that, even when the surface protection adhesive film isadhered onto the surface of a metal plate and the like, and the metalplate carrying the film is worked or is allowed to stand for a longperiod of time, followed by peeling off of the film from the metalplate, there is no marked occurrence of a left-over glue on the metalplate.

[0408] <Asphalt Composition>

[0409] By adding an asphalt (hereinafter frequently referred to as“component (IX)”) to component (I) (i.e., the second-order modifiedblock copolymer), or alternatively, by blending components (I-1), (III)and (IX) together, the asphalt composition of the present invention canbe prepared. In the asphalt composition of the present invention, thefunctional group of the functional group-containing group X¹ of themodified block copolymer (i.e., the second-order modified blockcopolymer) used as a component, or the second-order modifier (III) usedas a component, is reactive to the functional group of the asphalt(i.e., component (IX)). In addition, either the modified block copolymeror the reaction product between the semimodified block copolymer (i.e.,component (I-1)) and the second-order modifier (i.e., component (III))contains a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom or a carbonyl group. Betweenthese atoms and group and the polar groups of the asphalt, interactionsdue to a physical affinity, such as a hydrogen bond or the like, areeffectively caused to occur, thereby obtaining an asphalt compositionwhich exhibits excellent properties with respect to, e.g., softeningtemperature, ductility, flexural properties, aggregate-grippingproperties and storage stability at high temperatures.

[0410] In the production of the asphalt composition of the presentinvention, component (I) or component (I-1) is used. It is especiallypreferred that the base block copolymer of the component (I) or (I-1)comprises:

[0411] (a) 20 to 90% by weight, more advantageously 25 to 80% by weightof a block copolymer which comprises as a skeleton thereof a polymerblock (A) comprised mainly of vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer unitsand a polymer block (B) comprised mainly of conjugated diene monomerunits, and

[0412] (b) 80 to 10% by weight, more advantageously 75 to 20% by weightof a block copolymer which comprises as a skeleton thereof at least twopolymer blocks (A) comprised mainly of vinyl aromatic hydrocarbonmonomer units and at least one polymer block (B) comprised mainly ofconjugated diene monomer units.

[0413] When the base block copolymer comprises the above-mentioned baseblock copolymer components (a) and (b), the asphalt composition exhibitsan excellent balance of the softening temperature and the anti-phaseseparation property. It is preferred that the molecular weight of thebase block copolymer component (a) (as measured by gel permeationchromatography (GPC) using a calibration curve obtained with respect tocommercially available standard polystyrene samples) is from 30,000 to150,000, more advantageously from 40,000 to 140,000, still moreadvantageously from 50,000 to 130,000; and that the molecular weight ofthe base block copolymer component (b) (as measured by gel permeationchromatography (GPC) in the same manner as mentioned above) is from100,000 to 300,000, more advantageously from 120,000 to 280,000, stillmore advantageously from 140,000 to 260,000, both from the viewpoint ofobtaining an asphalt composition which exhibits an excellent balance ofthe softening temperature and the anti-phase separation property.

[0414] Examples of asphalts (i.e., component (IX)) for use in theasphalt composition of the present invention include a petroleum asphalt(i.e., asphalt by-produced by oil refining), natural asphalt, andmixtures thereof with petroleum. Each of the above-mentioned asphaltscontains bitumen as the main component thereof. Specific examples ofasphalts include a straight asphalt, a semi-blown asphalt, a blownasphalt, tar, pitch, a cutback asphalt (i.e., a mixture of asphalt withoil), and an asphalt emulsion. These asphalts can be used individuallyor in combination. In the present invention, as a preferred asphalt,there can be mentioned a straight asphalt having a penetration ratio offrom 30 to 300, preferably from 40 to 200, more preferably from 45 to150, wherein the penetration ratio of the asphalt is measured inaccordance with JIS-K 2207. The amount of component (I) or (I-1)contained in the asphalt composition of the present invention isgenerally from 0.5 to 50 parts by weight, preferably from 1 to 30 partsby weight, more preferably from 3 to 20 parts by weight, relative to 100parts by weight of component (IX) (i.e., the asphalt) contained in theasphalt composition.

[0415] When the asphalt composition of the present invention comprisescomponents (I-1), (IX) and (III), component (III) is generally used inan amount of from 0.01 to 5 parts by weight, preferably from 0.05 to 5parts by weight, more preferably from 0.1 to 5 parts by weight, stillmore preferably from 0.2 to 3 parts by weight, still more preferablyfrom 0.5 to 2 parts by weight, relative to 100 parts by weight ofcomponent (IX) (i.e., the asphalt). On the other hand, the asphaltcomposition of the present invention comprising components (I) and (IX),may further comprise 0.1 to 5 parts by weight of component (III),relative to 100 parts by weight of component (IX).

[0416] If desired, the asphalt composition of the present invention maycontain a sulfur-containing component (hereinafter frequently referredto as “component (X)”). As component (X), there can be used, forexample, a powdery sulfur, a precipitated sulfur, a colloidal sulfur, asurface-treated sulfur, an insoluble sulfur and an inert sulfur. Furtherexamples of component (X) include a sulfur-containing compound, such assulfur chloride, sulfur dioxide, morpholine disulfide, an alkylphenoldisulfide and a high-molecular weight polysulfide. Also, component (X)can be used in combination with an appropriate amount of a crosslinkingaccelerator. As a crosslinking accelerator, there can be used asulfenamide type accelerator, a guanidine type accelerator, a thiuramtype accelerator, an aldehyde-amine type accelerator, analdehyde-ammonia type accelerator, a thiazole type accelerator, athiourea type accelerator, a dithiocarbamate type accelerator and axanthate type accelerator. Specific examples of such crosslinkingaccelerators include a diphenylguanidine, n-butyl aldehyde-anilcondensate, a hexamethylenetetramine, 2-mercaptobenzothiazole,N-cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazyl sulfenamide, thiocarbanilide,tetramethylthiuram monosulfide, sodium dimethyl dithiocarbamate and zincisopropyl xanthogenate. The sulfur content of component (X) is generallyin the range of from 0.01 to 10 parts by weight, preferably from 0.05 to5 parts by weight, more preferably from 0.1 to 2 parts by weight,relative to 100 parts by weight of component (IX). When the crosslinkingaccelerator is used, the amount of crosslinking accelerator is generallyin the range of from 0.01 to 10 parts by weight, preferably from 0.05 to5 parts by weight, more preferably from 0.1 to 2 parts by weight,relative to 100 parts by weight of component (IX) (i.e., an asphalt).

[0417] The asphalt composition of the present invention may contain asilane coupling agent. As a silane coupling agent, the silane couplingagents mentioned above in connection with the polymer composition can beused. The silane coupling agent is used generally in an amount of from0.01 to 20 parts by weight, preferably from 0.05 to 10 parts by weight,more preferably from 0.1 to 5 parts by weight, relative to 100 parts byweight of component (IX).

[0418] From the viewpoint of obtaining an asphalt composition whichexhibits excellent aggregate-gripping properties, the asphaltcomposition of the present invention may contain a surfactant, such asan anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant and a nonionic surfactant.Specific examples of surfactants include a higher fatty acid and a metalsalt thereof, a monoamine compound, a diamine compound, a polyaminecompound and a co-oligomer of polyethylene oxide and polypropyleneoxide. Further examples of surfactants include an acidic, organicphosphate compound; a mixture of an acidic, organic phosphate compoundand an inorganic phosphate compound; a polyvalent carboxylic acid or ananhydride thereof; an aliphatic phosphate; a phosphoric acid ester witha higher alcohol (e.g., stearyl phosphate); a mixture of a higheralcohol and a phosphorylated alcohol; gallic acid or derivativesthereof; fatty acids derived from a tall oil, or derivatives thereof; acondensate of polyalkylenepolyamine and a fatty acid; a liquid epoxy; agraft-modified polyethylene obtained by grafting maleic anhydride ontopolyethylene; a graft-modified polypropylene obtained by grafting maleicanhydride onto polypropylene; a graft-modified SBS (styrene/butadieneblock copolymer) obtained by grafting maleic anhydride onto SBS; agraft-modified SEBS (styrene/ethylene/butylene block copolymer) obtainedby grafting maleic anhydride onto SEBS; and a graft-modified SEPS(styrene/ethylene/propylene block copolymer) obtained by grafting maleicanhydride onto SEPS.

[0419] If desired, the asphalt composition of the present invention maycontain any of the conventional additives. There is no limitation withrespect to the type of the additive so long as it is an additive whichis generally used in combination with a thermoplastic resin or a rubberycopolymer. Examples of conventional additives include component (VI)(i.e., the inorganic filler), an inorganic filler other than component(VI), an organic filler, a silane coupling agent, component (VII) (i.e.,the rubber-softening agent), component (VIII) (i.e., the tackifier), astabilizer (e.g., antioxidant), a vulcanizing agent (e.g., an organicperoxide or a phenol resin crosslinking agent), an auxiliary for use inperoxide crosslinking, a polyfunctional vinyl monomer, and other variousadditives as mentioned above. If desired, component (II) may be used asan additive.

[0420] The asphalt composition of the present invention exhibitsexcellent properties with respect to, e.g., softening temperature,ductility, flexural properties, aggregate-gripping properties andstorage stability at high temperatures. Hence, the asphalt compositioncan be advantageously used in a wide variety of fields, such as thefields of a material for use in road paving, a material for a waterproofsheet, a material for a sound insulating sheet and a roofing material.

[0421] By virtue of its excellent properties with respect to storagestability at high temperatures, ductility, flexural properties at lowtemperatures and aggregate-gripping properties, the asphalt compositionof the present invention can be advantageously used as a binder for adrainage pavement for various roads, for example, a road having a largetraffic, an expressway, and a road segment at which the load of traffictends to concentrate (e.g., an intersection or a curving road).

[0422] The drainage pavement of the present invention comprises a roadand, formed thereon, a drainage pavement layer having a plurality ofvoids for drainage, wherein the drainage pavement layer is comprised ofa plurality of aggregates and a binder, wherein the binder comprises theasphalt composition of the present invention.

[0423] When the asphalt composition of the present invention is used asa binder for a drainage pavement, the obtained drainage pavementexhibits excellent properties with respect to, e.g., rutting resistance,water permeability, traffic noise reduction properties andlow-temperature properties (e.g., crack resistance at low temperatures).

[0424] Generally, an asphalt pavement is formed by the following method.To a mixture of a coarse aggregate (e.g., crushed stone), a fineaggregate (e.g., sand, crushed sand or stone dust) and the like (whereinthe mixture has an appropriate range of particle size distribution), isadded a binder which is heated (generally at a temperature of from 150to 210° C.), to thereby obtain an asphalt mixture (wherein the amount ofthe binder is from 5.3 to 6.5%, preferably from 5.5 to 6%). The obtainedasphalt mixture is spread over a road, and the resultant asphalt mixturelayer on the road is rolled flat by using a roller or the like, tothereby obtain an asphalt pavement.

[0425] The drainage pavement of the present invention is formed by thefollowing method. To a mixture of a coarse aggregate (e.g., crushedstone), a fine aggregate (e.g., sand, crushed sand or stone dust) andthe like (wherein the mixture has an appropriate range of particle sizedistribution), is added the asphalt composition of the present inventionas a binder, wherein the binder is heated (generally at a temperature offrom 150 to 210° C.), to thereby obtain an asphalt mixture (wherein theamount of the binder is from 4.5 to 5.5%, preferably from 4.7 to 5.3%).The obtained asphalt mixture (containing the asphalt composition of thepresent invention) is spread over a road, and the resultant asphaltmixture layer on the road is rolled flat by using a roller or the like,to thereby obtain the drainage pavement of the present invention. Thedrainage pavement layer of the drainage pavement of the presentinvention has an extremely large number of intercommunicating voids fordrainage, as compared to the number of voids in the pavement layer ofthe conventional pavement produced using a conventional asphalt mixture.By virtue of such property, the drainage pavement of the presentinvention exhibits excellent functions, e.g., the drainability forpreventing the occurrence of rain pools, the ability to ensure safedriving by preventing a continuous water thin layer from being formed byrain on the road, and the ability to reduce traffic noise (e.g., anexhaust noise or a noise caused by the contact between rotating tiresand the road surface). With respect to the void ratio of drainagepavement layer of the drainage pavement of the present invention, adesired void ratio can be obtained by controlling the size (i.e.,particle diameter) of the aggregates and the mixing ratio of theaggregates and the asphalt. It is preferred that the drainage pavementlayer of the drainage pavement of the present invention formed using theasphalt composition of the present invention has a void ratio of from 5to 35%, more advantageously from 10 to 30%, still more advantageouslyfrom 12 to 28%.

[0426] The void ratio of the drainage pavement layer is defined by thefollowing formula:${{Void}\quad {ratio}\quad (\%)} = {{\frac{V_{V}}{V} \times 100} = {\left\lbrack {1 - \frac{\rho_{m}}{D}} \right\rbrack \times 100}}$

[0427] wherein:

[0428] ρ_(m) represents the density (g/cm³) of the asphalt mixture,

[0429] V represents the volume (cm³) of the asphalt mixture,

[0430] V_(V) represents the void volume (cm³) of the asphalt mixture,and

[0431] D represents the theoretical maximum density (g/cm³) of theasphalt mixture.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0432] Hereinbelow, the present invention will be described in moredetail with reference to the following Examples and ComparativeExamples, which should not be construed as limiting the scope of thepresent invention.

[0433] 1. Characteristics of a Block Copolymer or Hydrogenated BlockCopolymer

[0434] (1) Styrene Content:

[0435] The absorption intensity of a block copolymer at 262 nm wasmeasured using an ultraviolet spectrophotometer (trade name: UV200;manufactured and sold by Hitachi, Ltd., Japan), and the styrene contentwas calculated therefrom.

[0436] (2) Styrene Block Ratio:

[0437] A predetermined amount (from 30 to 50 mg) of a block copolymerwas precisely weighed and added to about 10 ml of chloroform. To theresultant were added osmium tetroxide (as a catalyst) and tertiary butylhydroxyperoxide (as an oxidant) to obtain a mixture. The obtainedmixture was boiled at 100° C. for 20 minutes to effect an oxidativedegradation of the block copolymer, thereby obtaining a reactionmixture. To the obtained reaction mixture was added methanol in anamount of 200 ml to precipitate a polystyrene, thereby obtaining aprecipitate. The obtained precipitate was filtered using 11G4(manufactured and sold by SHIBATA SCIENTIFIC TECHNOLOGY LTD., Japan) toobtain a filtration residue comprised of a polystyrene. The polystyreneobtained as the filtration residue was weighed, and a styrene blockratio was calculated from the following formula:

Styrene block ratio (wt %)=(weight of the filtration residue/weight ofstyrene monomer units in the above-mentioned predetermined amount of theblock copolymer)×100

[0438] (3) Vinyl Bond Content and Hydrogenation Ratio:

[0439] The vinyl bond content and hydrogenation ratio were measured bymeans of a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) apparatus (trade name:DPX-400; manufactured and sold by BRUKER, Germany).

[0440] (4) Weight Average Molecular Weight:

[0441] The weight average molecular weight was measured by gelpermeation chromatography (GPC) (GPC apparatus: LC10 column: ShimpacGPC805+GPC804+GPC804+GPC803; both of the apparatus and column aremanufactured and sold by Shimadzu Corporation, Japan) under conditionswherein tetrahydrofuran was used as a solvent and the column temperaturewas 35° C. The weight average molecular weight was determined from a GPCchromatogram showing the peak molecular weight, using a calibrationcurve obtained with respect to commercially available monodispersestandard polystyrene samples.

[0442] (5) Ratio of Unmodified Block Copolymer Fractions in a ModifiedBlock Copolymer:

[0443] A sample solution was prepared by mixing together 20 ml oftetrahydrofuran, 10 mg of a modified block copolymer and 10 mg of a lowmolecular weight internal standard polystyrene having a weight averagemolecular weight of 8,000. The sample solution was subjected to gelpermeation chromatography (GPC) in the same manner as in item (4) above,to thereby obtain a chromatogram. From the chromatogram, the ratio (a)of the peak area of the modified block copolymer to the peak area of theinternal standard polystyrene was determined. On the other hand, thesame sample solution as mentioned above was subjected to gel permeationchromatography (GPC) in the same manner as in item (4) above, exceptthat there were used the GPC apparatus Zorbax (manufactured and sold byDuPont, U.S.A) and a column packed with a silica gel. The silica geladsorbs the modified block copolymer fractions but does not adsorb theunmodified block copolymer fractions. From the resultant chromatogram,the ratio (b) of the peak area of the block copolymer (i.e., unmodifiedblock copolymer fractions) to the peak area of the internal standardpolystyrene was determined. Thus, the ratio (a) reflects the total peakarea ascribed to both the unmodified block copolymer fractions and themodified block copolymer fractions, and the ratio (b) reflects the peakarea ascribed to only the unmodified block copolymer fractions.Therefore, from the ratio (a) and the ratio (b), the ratio of theunmodified block copolymer fractions in the modified block copolymer wasobtained.

[0444] 2. Preparation of a Hydrogenation Catalyst

[0445] A hydrogenation catalyst used in a hydrogenation reaction wasprepared by the following method.

[0446] (1) Hydrogenation Catalyst I:

[0447] A reaction vessel was purged with nitrogen. To the reactionvessel was added one liter of dried, purified cyclohexane, followed byaddition of 100 mmol of bis(η⁵-cyclopentadienyl)titanium dichloride.While thoroughly stirring the resultant mixture in the reaction vessel,an n-hexane solution of 200 mmol of trimethylaluminum was added to thereaction vessel, and a reaction was effected at room temperature forabout 3 days to thereby obtain hydrogenation catalyst I.

[0448] (2) Hydrogenation Catalyst II:

[0449] A reaction vessel was purged with nitrogen. To the reactionvessel were added two liters of dried, purified cyclohexane. Then, 40mmol of bis(η⁵-cyclopentadienyl)titaniumdi-(p-tolyl) and 150 g of1,2-polybutadiene having a molecular weight of about 1,000 (wherein the1,2-polybutadiene had a 1,2-vinyl bond content of about 85%) were addedto and dissolved in the cyclohexane, thereby obtaining a solution. Acyclohexane solution of 60 mmol of n-butyllithium was added to thesolution in the reaction vessel, and a reaction was effected at roomtemperature for 5 minutes, and then 40 mmol of n-butanol was immediatelyadded to the reaction vessel while stirring, thereby obtaininghydrogenation catalyst II. The obtained hydrogenation catalyst II waspreserved at room temperature.

[0450] 3. Preparation of a Living Block Copolymer

[0451] Preparation of Polymer 1 (Hereinafter, Frequently Referred to as“P-1”):

[0452] An autoclave equipped with a stirrer and a jacket was washed,dried and purged with nitrogen. To the autoclave was added a cyclohexanesolution of 10 parts by weight of purified styrene (styreneconcentration: 20 wt %). Then, n-butyllithium (vinylation agent) andtetramethylethylenediamine (randomization agent) were added to theautoclave in accordance with the formulations indicated in Table 1, toobtain a mixture. The obtained mixture was subjected to a polymerizationreaction at 70° C. for 1 hour. Then, a cyclohexane solution of 80 partsby weight of purified butadiene (butadiene concentration: 20 wt %) wasadded to the autoclave, and the contents of the autoclave were subjectedto a polymerization reaction at 70° C. for 1 hour. Subsequently, acyclohexane solution of 10 parts by weight of purified styrene was addedto the autoclave, and the contents of the autoclave were furthersubjected to a polymerization reaction at 70° C. for 1 hour, therebyobtaining a reaction mixture containing polymer 1 (P-1) which was aliving block copolymer. The characteristics of polymer 1 (P-1) are shownin Table 1.

[0453] Preparation of Polymers 2 to 23 (Hereinafter, Frequently Referredto as “P-2” to “P-23”, Respectively):

[0454] Polymers 2 to 23 (i.e., P-2 to P-23) (each of polymers 2 to 23was a living block copolymer) were obtained in substantially the samemanner as in the preparation of polymer 1 (P-1), except that the amountsof monomers added to the autoclave were changed as indicated in Table 1.The characteristics of polymers 2 to 23 are shown in Table 1. TABLE 1Living polymer produced Structure Amount of n-BuLi used Styrene Styreneblock Vinyl bond Polymer No. of polymer (g/100 g of monomers) content(wt %) ratio (%) content (%) P-1 A-B-A-Li 0.114 20 97 42 P-2 A-B-A-Li0.105 19 94 36 P-3 A-B-A-Li 0.152 30 93 26 P-4 A-B-A-Li 0.183 20 95 65P-5 A-B-A-Li 0.305 67 90 41 P-6 A-B-A-Li 0.040 18 96 45 P-7 A-B-A-Li0.147 29 92 42 P-8 A-B-A-Li 0.147 19 97 36 P-9 A-B-A-Li 0.229 40 97 28P-10 B-A-B-A-Li 0.229 29 92 42 P-11 A-B-Li 0.095 30 97 15 P-12 A-B-Li0.229 30 97 36 P-13 A-B-A-Li 0.152 20 92 42 P-14 A-B-Li 0.183 30 96 15P-15 A-B-Li 0.183 29 96 15 P-16 A-B-A-Li 0.057 35 96 15 P-17 B-Li 0.0510 — 15 P-18 A-B-A-Li 0.076 30 96 17 P-19 A-B-A-Li 0.070 25 98 13 P-20A-B-A-Li 0.083 30 95 15 P-21 A-B-A-Li 0.203 30 97 40 P-22 A-B-A-Li 0.19932 97 38 P-23 A-B-A-Li 0.223 33 97 37

[0455] 4. Preparation of a First-Order Modified Block Copolymer and aHydrogenation Product Thereof

[0456] A first-order modified block copolymer was obtained as follows.To the reaction mixtures respectively containing polymers 1 to 23 wereindividually added predetermined amounts of first-order modifiers asindicated in Tables 2, 5, 8, 13, 15, 21 and 23 below, and a reaction wasperformed at 70° C. for 20 minutes, thereby obtaining reaction mixturesrespectively containing first-order modified block copolymers.

[0457] A hydrogenated first-order modified block copolymer was obtainedas follows. To a reaction mixture containing a first-order modifiedblock copolymer was added hydrogenation catalyst I or hydrogenationcatalyst II in an amount of 100 ppm in terms of the amount of titanium,and a hydrogenation reaction was performed for 1 hour under conditionswherein the hydrogen pressure was 0.7 MPa and the reaction temperaturewas 65° C., thereby obtaining a reaction mixture containing ahydrogenated first-order modified block copolymer.

[0458] To the reaction mixtures respectively containing the first-ordermodified block copolymers and hydrogenated first-order modified blockcopolymers was individually added methanol in a molar amount which is 10times the molar amount of n-butyllithium used in the polymerizationreaction. Then, carbonated water was added to the resultant, so as toadjust the pH value of the resultant to pH 8 or less.

[0459] The characteristics of the thus obtained first-order modifiedblock copolymers and hydrogenated first-order modified block copolymersare shown in Tables 2, 5, 8, 13, 15, 21 and 23.

[0460] 5. Preparation of a Second-Order Modified Block Copolymer

[0461] A second-order modified block copolymer was obtained as follows.The above-obtained first-order modified block copolymers andhydrogenated first-order modified block copolymers were individuallyreacted with a second-order modifier by a melt-kneading method or asolution method, thereby obtaining second-order modified blockcopolymers.

[0462] Preparation of a second-order modified block copolymer by amelt-kneading method was performed as follows. To the reaction mixturesrespectively containing the first-order modified block copolymers andhydrogenated first-order modified block copolymers was individuallyadded, as a stabilizer,octadecyl-3-(3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate in an amount of0.3 part by weight, relative to 100 parts by weight of the blockcopolymer, followed by heating to distill off the solvent in thereaction mixture. To the thus recovered first-order modified blockcopolymers and hydrogenated first-order modified block copolymers wereindividually added predetermined amounts of second-order modifiers asindicated in Tables 2, 5, 8, 13, 15, 21 and 23. The resultant mixtureswere individually melt-kneaded and extruded by means of a 30mmφtwin-screw extruder under conditions wherein the cylinder temperaturewas 220° C. and the screw revolution rate was 100 rpm, to effect areaction, thereby obtaining second-order modified block copolymers.

[0463] Preparation of a second-order modified block copolymer by asolution method was performed as follows. To the reaction mixturesrespectively containing the first-order modified block copolymers andhydrogenated first-order modified block copolymers was individuallyadded methanol in a molar amount which is 10 times the molar amount ofn-butyllithium used in the polymerization reaction. Then, carbonatedwater was added to the resultant, so as to adjust the pH value of theresultant to pH 8 or less. To the resultant mixtures were individuallyadded predetermined amounts of second-order modifiers as indicated inTables 2, 5, 8, 13, 15, 21 and 23, and a reaction was performed at about60° C. for 30 minutes. To each of the resultant reaction mixtures wasadded, as a stabilizer,octadecyl-3-(3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate in an amount of0.3 part by weight, relative to 100 parts by weight of the blockcopolymer, followed by heating to distill off the solvent in thereaction mixture, thereby obtaining second-order modified blockcopolymers.

[0464] The characteristics of the obtained second-order modified blockcopolymers are shown in Tables 2, 5, 8, 13, 15, 21 and 23.

[0465] 6. Relationships between the first-order modifiers (M1 to M5) andsecond-order modifiers (D1 and D2) which were used in Examples andComparative Examples, and the structures of the first-order modifiedblock copolymers and second-order modified block copolymers, are asfollows.

[0466] Relationships Between the First-Order Modifiers (M1 to M5) andthe Structures of the First-Order Modified Block Copolymers:

[0467] M1: When M1 is used as a first-order modifier, the obtainedfirst-order modified block copolymer has a structure represented byformula (8), wherein C² represents a unit which is represented by anyone of formulae (d-1) and (e-1), and D² represents a unit which isrepresented by formula (f-1).

[0468] M2: When M2 is used as a first-order modifier, the obtainedfirst-order modified block copolymer has a structure represented byformula (6) or (7), wherein A² represents a unit which is represented byany one of formulae (a-1) and (b-1), and B² represents a unit which isrepresented by formula (c-1).

[0469] M3: When M3 is used as a first-order modifier, the obtainedfirst-order modified block copolymer has a structure represented byformula (10), wherein E² represents a unit which is represented byformula (g-1), and F² represents a unit which is represented by any oneof formulae (h-1), (i-1) and (j-1).

[0470] M4: When M4 is used as a first-order modifier, the obtainedfirst-order modified block copolymer has a structure represented byformula (9), wherein C² represents a unit which is represented by anyone of formulae (d-1) and (e-1), and D² represents a unit which isrepresented by formula (f-1).

[0471] M5: When M5 is used as a first-order modifier, the obtainedfirst-order modified block copolymer has a structure represented byformula (10), wherein E² represents a unit which is represented formula(g-1), and F² represents a unit which is represented by formula (h-1).

[0472] Relationships Between the Second-Order Modifiers (D1 and D2) andthe Structures of the Second-Order Modified Block Copolymers:

[0473] D1: When a first-order modified block copolymer which is obtainedby a first-order modification using any one of the above-mentionedfirst-order modifiers (M1 to M5), is subjected to a second-ordermodification using the second-order modifier D1, there is obtained asecond-order modified block copolymer having a structure wherein X¹represents a unit which is represented formula (n).

[0474] D2: When a first-order modified block copolymer which is obtainedby a first-order modification using any one of the above-mentionedfirst-order modifiers (M1 to M5), is subjected to a second-ordermodification using the second-order modifier D2, there is obtained asecond-order modified block copolymer having a structure wherein X¹represents a unit which is represented formula (p).

EXAMPLES AND COMPARATIVE EXAMPLES CONCERNING THE THERMOPLASTIC RESINCOMPOSITION

[0475] (1) Modified Block Copolymer

[0476] The modified block copolymers used are as shown in Table 2. TABLE2 First-order modification Ratio of unmodified Second-order block co-modification First-order polymer Hydrogenation Molecular Second-orderBlock modifier fractions Hydrogenation Hydrogenation weight (Mw)modifier Modifica- copolymer (mol/Li) (wt %) catalyst ratio (%)(×10,000) (mol/Li) tion method First- order modifi- cation 1P-1 P-1 M1(1.0) 20 I 98 8.0 — — 1P-2 P-2 None — II 98 8.7 — — 1P-3 P-3 M2 (0.25)10 II 98 14.1 — — 1P-4 P-4 M3 (1.0) 20 I 98 10.3 — — 1P-5 P-5 M2 (0.25)25 I 98 7.4 — — 1P-6 P-1 M1 (1.0) 25 I 55 8.0 — — 1P-7 P-1 M1 (1.0) 20 —0 8.0 — — 1P-8 P-6 M1 (1.0) 30 II 98 23.0 — — Second- order modifi-cation 2P-1 1P-1 — — — — — D1 (2.1) Melt-knead- ing method 2P-2 1P-1 — —— — — D2 (3.5) Melt-knead- ing method 2P-3 1P-1/1P-5 — — — — — D2 (0.7)Melt-knead- (50/50) ing method 2P-4 1P-4 — — — — — D1 (1.5) Melt-knead-ing method 2P-5 1P-8 — — — — — D1 (1.5) Melt-knead- ing method

[0477] (2) Thermoplastic Resin

[0478] PET: Mitsui PET SA135 (manufactured and sold by Mitsui Chemicals,Inc., Japan)

[0479] Polyamide: Nylon 6 (Amilan CM1017, manufactured and sold by TorayIndustries, Inc., Japan)

[0480] (3) Measurement of Properties

[0481] Flexural modulus (MPa): The flexural modulus is measured inaccordance with ASTM-D790.

[0482] Notched Izod impact strength (J/m): The notched Izod impactstrength is measured in accordance with K-7110.

Examples 1 to 8 and Comparative Examples 1 to 6

[0483] In Examples 1 to 8 and Comparative Examples 1 to 6, resincompositions were produced in accordance with the formulations indicatedin Table 3. Predetermined amounts of the thermoplastic resin,first-order modified block copolymer or unmodified block copolymer, andsecond-order modifier were dry-blended to obtain a blend product. To theobtained blend product was added, as a stabilizer,2-t-amyl-6-[1-(3,5-di-t-amyl-2-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl]-4-t-aminophenylacrylatein an amount of 0.3 part by weight, relative to 100-parts by weight ofthe blend product. The resultant mixture was melt-kneaded and extrudedby means of a 30 mmφtwin-screw extruder under conditions wherein thescrew revolution rate was 250 rpm. In the melt-kneading, the cylindertemperature of the twin screw-extruder was changed as follows dependingon the thermoplastic resin used: when the thermoplastic resin was a PET,the cylinder temperature was 250° C., and when the thermoplastic resinwas a polyamide, the cylinder temperature was 260° C. In this way, resincompositions were obtained. The properties of the obtained compositionsare shown in Table 3. TABLE 3 Formulation (part by weight) Functionalgroup- Second-order Flexural modulus Izod impact containing resin Blockcopolymer modifier *1 (MPa) strength (J/m) Ex. 1 PET 1P-1 — D1 1310 74580 20 0.06 Ex. 2 PET 1P-1 — D2 1400 588 80 20 0.14 Ex. 3 PET 1P-3 — D11600 686 80 20 0.05 Ex. 4 PET 1P-1 1P-5 D2 1650 569 80 10 10 0.05 Ex. 5PET 1P-5 — D1 1740 480 70 30 5.0 Ex. 6 PET 1P-6 — D1 1300 784 80 20 0.06Ex. 7 PET 1P-7 — D2 1150 686 80 20 0.14 Ex. 8 Polyamide 1P-8 — D1 1610360 80 20 0.3 Comp. PET 1P-1 — — 1370 78 Ex. 1 80 20 Comp. PET 1P-3 — —1600 39 Ex. 2 80 20 Comp. PET 1P-2 — — No test specimen having good Ex.3 80 20 homogeneity could be obtained Comp. PET 1P-2 — D2 No testspecimen having good Ex. 4 80 20 0.11 homogeneity could be obtainedComp. PET — — — 2330 20 Ex. 5 100 Comp. Polyamide 1P-8 — — 1900 70 Ex. 680 20

Examples 9 to 13 and Comparative Examples 7 and 8

[0484] In Examples 9 to 13 and Comparative Examples 7 and 8, resincompositions were produced in the same manner as in Examples 1 to 8except that the formulations indicated in Table 4 were employed. Theproperties of the resin compositions produced are shown in Table 4together with the formulations of the resin compositions. In Table 4,“P-2/D2 (1.2 mol/Li)” (appearing in the rows of the data of ComparativeExamples 7 and 8) means “a mixture of polymer P-2 and second-ordermodifier D2, wherein the mixture had a D2 concentration of 1.2 moles permole of butyllithium added in the production of polymer P-2”. TABLE 4Formulation (part by weight) Functional group- Second-order Flexuralmodulus Izod impact containing resin Block copolymer modifier *1 (MPa)strength (J/m) Ex. 9 PET 2P-1 — 1340 510 80 20 Ex. 10 PET 2P-2 — 1440450 80 20 Ex. 11 PET 2P-3 D2 1680 400 80 20 1.0 Ex. 12 Polyamide 2P-4 —1650 510 80 20 Ex. 13 Polyamide 2P-5 — 1640 540 80 20 Comp. PET P-2/D2(1.2 mol/Li) — No test specimen having Ex. 7 80 20 good homogeneitycould be obtained Comp. Polyamide P-2/D2 (1.2 mol/Li) — 1550 63 Ex. 8 8020

[0485] From the results of Examples 1 to 13 and Comparative Examples 1to 8, it was found that the functional group-containing block copolymer(i.e., modified block copolymer) of the present invention has the effectof improving the impact strength of a thermoplastic resin.

EXAMPLES AND COMPARATIVE EXAMPLES CONCERNING THE FLAME RETARDANT POLYMERCOMPOSITION

[0486] (1) Modified Block Copolymer

[0487] The modified block copolymers used are as shown in Table 5. TABLE5 First-order modification Ratio of unmodified Second-order block co-modification First-order polymer Hydrogenation Molecular Second-orderBlock modifier fractions Hydrogenation Hydrogenation weight (Mw)modifier Modifica- copolymer (mol/Li) (wt %) catalyst ratio (%)(×10,000) (mol/Li) tion method First- order modifi- cation 1P-9 P-7 M1(1.0) 20 I 98 6.2 — — 1P-10 P-7 None — I 98 6.0 — — 1P-11 P-7 M1 (1.0)25 I 80 6.2 — — 1P-12 P-8 M2 (0.25) 30 II 98 13.2 — — 1P-13 P-9 M3 (1.0)25 I 98 9.8 — — 1P-14 P-9 SiCl₄ (0.25) — I 98 10.5 — — Second- ordermodifi- cation 2P-6 1P-9 — — — — — D1 (2.1) Melt-knead- ing method 2P-71P-12 — — — — — D2 (0.9) Melt-knead- ing method 2P-8 1P-9/1P-12 — — — —— D2 (3.5) Melt-knead- (50/50) ing method

[0488] (2) Inorganic Flame Retardant

[0489] X-1: Magnesium hydroxide which has been subjected to a surfacetreatment using a higher fatty acid (trade name of the magnesiumhydroxide: KISUMA 5A; manufactured and sold by KYOWA CHEMICAL INDUSTRYCo., Ltd., Japan)

[0490] X-2: Untreated magnesium hydroxide (trade name: KISUMA 5;manufactured and sold by KYOWA CHEMICAL INDUSTRY Co., Ltd., Japan)

[0491] (3) Olefin Polymer

[0492] Polypropylene (trade name: PM801A; manufactured and sold byMontell SDK Sunrise Ltd., Japan)

[0493] (4) Measurement of Properties

[0494] Tensile properties: The breaking strength (MPa) and breakingelongation (%) are measured in accordance with JIS K7210.

[0495] Oxygen index (O. I.): The oxygen index is measured in accordancewith JIS K7201. Specifically, the oxygen index is measured as follows. Apolymer sample and a gaseous mixture of N₂ and O₂ are introduced into acylindrical vessel, and the cylindrical vessel is sealed. The sample iscaused to burn in the cylindrical vessel. The oxygen index is defined asa minimum O₂ concentration in the N₂/O₂ gaseous mixture, at which theburning of the sample continues for three minutes. The higher the oxygenindex, the higher the flame retardancy. The oxygen index is evaluated inaccordance with the below-mentioned three criteria (with evaluationsymbols O, 0 and X):

[0496] ⊚: 28% or more;

[0497] ◯: from 24% to less than 28%; and

[0498] X: less than 24%.

Examples 14 to 21 and Comparative Examples 9 to 11

[0499] In Examples 14 to 21 and Comparative Examples 9 to 11, flameretardant polymer compositions were produced in accordance with theformulations indicated in Table 6. The predetermined amounts of theinorganic flame retardant, second-order modifier and polypropylene, aswell as 100 parts by weight of the first-order modified block copolymer,were mixed together to obtain a mixture. To the obtained mixture wasadded, as a stabilizer,2-t-amyl-6-[1-(3,5-di-t-amyl-2-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl]-4-t-aminophenylacrylatein an amount of 0.3 part by weight. The resultant mixture wasmelt-kneaded and extruded by means of a 30 mm twin-screw extruder underconditions wherein the cylinder temperature of the twin screw-extruderwas 220° C., to thereby obtain a flame retardant polymer composition inthe form of pellets. The obtained pellets were subjected to an injectionmolding to thereby prepare a test specimen for use in the evaluation ofthe properties of the flame retardant polymer composition. Theproperties of the obtained compositions are shown in Table 6. TABLE 6Comp. Comp. Ex. 14 Ex. 15 Ex. 16 Ex. 17 Ex. 18 Ex. 19 Ex. 20 Ex. 21 Ex.10 Ex. 11 Block copolymer 1P-9  1P-9  1P-9  1P-9  1P-9  1P-11 1P-121P-13 1P-10 1P-14 (part by weight) 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100100 Inorganic flame X-1 X-1 X-1 X-1 X-1 X-2 X-1 X-2 X-1 X-2 retardant *1(part by weight) 300 100 600 300 100 300 300 300 300 300 Second-orderD-1 D-1 D-1 — D-1 D-2 D-2 D-2 D-1 D-2 modifier *2 (part by weight) 0.50.5 0.5 2.0 4.0 1.0 2.5 0.5 2.5 Polypropylene 100 100 100 100 100 100100 50 100 50 (part by weight) Breaking 11 12 9 10 14 10 9 11 8 9strength (MPa) Breaking 350 400 290 320 360 310 420 290 210 200elongation (%) Oxygen index (%) ⊚ ◯ ⊚ ◯ ◯ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚

Examples 22 to 24 and Comparative Example 12

[0500] In Examples 22 to 24 and Comparative Example 12, flame retardantpolymer compositions were produced in the same manner as in Examples 14to 21 except that the formulations indicated in Table 7 were employed.The properties of the flame retardant polymer compositions produced areshown in Table 7 together with the formulations of the flame retardantpolymer compositions. In Table 7, “1P-10/D1 (2.1 mol/Li)” (appearing inthe row of the data of Comparative Example 12) means “a mixture ofpolymer 1P-10 and second-order modifier D1, wherein the mixture had a D1concentration of 2.1 moles per mole of butyllithium added in theproduction of polymer 1P-10”. TABLE 7 Ex. 22 Ex. 23 Ex. 24 Comp. Ex. 12Block copolymer 2P-6 2P-7 2P-8 1P-10/D1 (2.1 mol/Li) (part by weight)100 100 100 100 Inorganic flame X-1 X-1 X-1 X-1 retardant *1 300 300 300300 (part by weight) Polypropylene 100 100 100 100 (part by weight)Breaking strength  12  10  12  7 (MPa) Breaking elongation 360 410 400220 (%) Oxygen index (%) ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚

[0501] From the results of Examples 14 to 24 and Comparative Examples 9to 12, it was found that the flame retardant polymer composition of thepresent invention not only exhibits an excellent flame retardancy, butalso has advantages in that the polymer composition generates no toxicgas (e.g., halogen gas) even when it is on fire, and that the polymercomposition exhibits well-balanced mechanical properties. Therefore, theflame retardant polymer composition of the present invention can beadvantageously used as a coating material for electric wires (e.g., aninternal wiring for use in an electrical equipment, and a wiring harnessfor use in an automobile) or as a material for an industrial article(e.g., an insulating tape).

Examples and Comparative Examples Concerning the Adhesive Film forProtecting a Surface

[0502] (1) Modified Block Copolymer

[0503] The modified block copolymers used are as shown in Table 8. TABLE8 First-order modification Ratio of unmodified Second-order block co-modification First-order polymer Hydrogenation Molecular Second-orderBlock modifier fractions Hydrogenation Hydrogenation weight (Mw)modifier Modifica- copolymer (mol/Li) (wt %) catalyst ratio (%)(×10,000) (mol/Li) tion method First- order modifi- cation 1P-15 P-2 *1M1 (1.0) 20 I 98 6.5 — — 1P-16 P-2 *1 None — I 98 6.4 — — 1P-17 P-2 *1M1 (1.0) 25 I 60 6.7 — — 1P-18 P-10 M2 (0.25) 25 II 98 13.2 — — 1P-19P-10 M2 (0.25) 20 — 0 13.5 — — 1P-20 P-9 M3 (1.0) 25 I 98 9.8 — — 1P-21P-9 SiCl₄ (0.25) — I 98 10.5 — — Second- order modifi- cation 2P-9 1P-15— — — — — D1 (2.1) Melt-knead- ing method 2P-10 1P-18 — — — — — D2 (0.9)Melt-knead- ing method 2P-11 1P-15/1P-18 — — — — — D2 (3.5) Melt-knead-(50/50) ing method

[0504] (2) Measurement of Properties

[0505] The properties of an adhesive film for protecting a surface aremeasured as follows. An adhesive composition obtained by thebelow-mentioned method is provided in a molten state and coated onto aresin film having a thickness of 100 μm so as to form a coating having athickness of 15 μm, thereby obtaining an adhesive film. By thebelow-mentioned methods, the adhesive film is measured with respect toanchoring strength, adhesion strength and whether or not there is anoccurrence of a left-over glue on a surface after peeling off theadhered film therefrom.

[0506] Anchoring strength (g/20 mm): Two adhesive films each having awidth of 20 mm are provided. The adhesive-coated surfaces of theadhesive films are firmly adhered onto each other. Then, a peeling testis performed in which the films are peeled off from each other underconditions wherein the temperature is 20° C., the relative humidity (RH)is 65%, the peeling rate is 200 mm/min, and the peeling angle is 180°.

[0507] Adhesion strength (g/25 mm): An adhesive film is adhered onto aSUS304 stainless steel plate, and then peeled off therefrom underconditions wherein the temperature is 20° C., the relative humidity (RH)is 65%, the peeling rate is 200 mm/min, and the peeling angle is 180°.

[0508] Evaluation of whether or not there is an occurrence of aleft-over glue on a surface after peeling off the adhered filmtherefrom: An adhesive film is adhered onto a SUS304 stainless steelplate and allowed to stand at 40° C. for 6 months. Then, the adheredfilm is peeled off from the stainless steel plate under conditionswherein the temperature is 20° C. and the relative humidity (RH) is 65%,and then the stainless steel plate is observed to examine whether or notthere is an occurrence of a left-over glue.

Examples 25 to 29 and Comparative Examples 13 and 14

[0509] In Examples 25 to 29 and Comparative Examples 13 and 14, adhesivecompositions were produced in accordance with the formulations indicatedin Table 9. Predetermined amounts of the tackifier and second-ordermodifier, as well as 100 parts by weight of the first-order modifiedblock copolymer or hydrogenated first-order modified block copolymer,were mixed together to obtain a mixture. To the obtained mixture wasadded, as a stabilizer,2-t-amyl-6-[1-(3,5-di-tamyl-2-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl]-4-t-aminophenylacrylatein an amount of 0.3 part by weight. The resultant mixture wasmelt-kneaded by means of a vessel equipped with a stirrer at 180° C. for2 hours, thereby obtaining an adhesive composition. Using the obtainedadhesive composition and a polyethylene film, an adhesive film wasproduced, and the properties of the adhesive film produced weremeasured. The properties of the obtained adhesive films are shown inTable 9 together with the formulations of the adhesive compositions.TABLE 9 Ex. 25 Ex. 26 Ex. 27 Ex. 28 Ex. 29 Comp. Ex. 13 Comp. Ex. 14Formulation of adhesive composition (part by weight) Block copolymer1P-15 (100) 1P-17 (100) 1P-18 (100) 1P-19 (100) 1P-20 (100) 1P-16 (100)1P-21 (100) Tackifier *1 N1 (40) N2 (30) N1 (40) N2 (55) N1 (80) N1 (40)N1 (80) Second-order D1 (0.5) D2 (0.5) D1 (1.0) D2 (5.0) D1 (0.5) D1(0.5) D1 (0.5) modifier *2 Resin film Polyethylene PolyethylenePolyethylene Polyethylene Polyethylene Polyethylene Polyethylene(density: 0.96 (density: 0.96 (density: 0.92 (density: 0.92 (density:0.96 (density: 0.96 (density: 0.96 MI = 1.5) MI = 1.5) MI = 3.9) MI =3.9) MI = 1.5) MI = 1.5) MI = 1.5) Anchoringstrength >2000 >2000 >2000 >2000 >2000 1400 1500 (g/20 mm) Adhesionstrength  250  290  170  190  150  120  100 (g/25 mm) Left-over glueNone None None None None Present Present after peeling

Examples 30 to 34 and Comparative Examples 15 and 16

[0510] In Examples 30 to 34 and Comparative Examples 15 and 16, adhesivecompositions were produced in the same manner as in Examples 25 to 29except that the formulations indicated in Table 10 were employed. Usingthe adhesive compositions produced and PET films, adhesive films wereproduced, and the properties of the adhesive films were measured. Theproperties of the adhesive films are shown in Table 10 together with theformulations of the adhesive compositions. TABLE 10 Ex. 30 Ex. 31 Ex. 32Ex. 33 Ex. 34 Comp. Ex. 15 Comp. Ex. 16 Formulation of adhesivecomposition (part by weight) Block copolymer 1P-15 (100) 1P-17 (100)1P-18 (100) 1P-19 (100) 1P-20 (100) 1P-16 (100) 1P-21 (100) Tackifier *1N1 (40) N2 (30) N1 (40) N2 (55) N1 (80) N1 (40) N1 (80) Second-order D1(0.5) D2 (0.5) D1 (1.0) D2 (5.0) D1 (0.5) D1 (0.5) D1 (0.5) modifier *2Resin film PET PET PET PET PET PET PET (IV 0.82) (IV 0.82) (IV 0.73) (IV0.73) (IV 0.82) (IV 0.82) (IV 0.82) Anchoringstrength >2000 >2000 >2000 >2000 >2000 1500 1600 (g/20 mm) Adhesionstrength  260  280  170  190  160  120  120 (g/25 mm) Left-over glueNone None None None None Present Present after peeling

Examples 35 to 38 and Comparative Example 17

[0511] In Examples 35 to 38 and Comparative Example 17, adhesivecompositions were produced in the same manner as in Examples 25 to 29except that the formulations indicated in Table 11 were employed. Usingthe adhesive compositions produced and polyolefin films, adhesive filmswere produced, and the properties of the adhesive films were measured.The properties are shown in Table 11 together with the formulations ofthe adhesive compositions. In Table 11, “1P-16/D1 (2.1 mol/Li)”(appearing in the row of the data of Comparative Example 17) means “amixture of polymer 1P-16 and second-order modifier D1, wherein themixture had a D1 concentration of 2.1 moles per mole of butyllithiumadded in the production of polymer 1P-16”. TABLE 11 Ex. 35 Ex. 36 Ex. 37Ex. 38 Comp. Ex. 17 Formulation of adhesive composition (part by weight)Block copolymer 2P-9 (100) 2P-10 (100) 2P-11 (100) 2P-9 (100) 1P-16/D1(2.1 mol/Li) (100) Tackfier N1 (40) N1 (40) N1 (40) N1 (40) N1 (40)Resin film Polyethylene Polyethylene Polyethylene polypropylenePolyethylene (density: 0.96 (density: 0.92 (density: 0.96 (density: 0.90(density: 0.96 MI = 1.5) MI = 3.9) MI = 1.5) MI = 7.0) MI = 1.5)Anchoring strength >2000 >2000 >2000 >2000 1400 (g/20 mm) Adhesionstrength  270  180  200  260  140 (g/25 mm) Left-over glue None NoneNone None Present after peeling

Examples 39 to 41 and Comparative Example 18

[0512] In Examples 39 to 41 and Comparative Example 18, adhesivecompositions were produced in the same manner as in Examples 30 to 34except that the formulations indicated in Table 12 were employed. Usingthe adhesive compositions produced and PET films, adhesive films wereproduced, and the properties of the adhesive films were measured. Theproperties are shown in Table 12 together with the formulations of theadhesive compositions. In Table 12, “1P-16/D1 (2.1 mol/Li)” (appearingin the row of the data of Comparative Example 18) means “a mixture ofpolymer 1P-16 and second-order modifier D1, wherein the mixture had a D1concentration of 2.1 moles per mole of butyllithium added in theproduction of polymer 1P-16”. TABLE 12 Comp. Ex. 39 Ex. 40 Ex. 41 Ex. 18Formulation of adhesive composition (part by weight) Block copolymer2P-9 (100) 2P-10 (100) 2P-11 (100) 1P-16/D1 (2.1 mol/Li) Tackifier N1(40) N1 (40) N1 (40) (100) N1 (40) Resin film PET PET PET PET (IV 0.82)(IV 0.73) (IV 0.82) (IV 0.82) Anchoring >2000 >2000 >2000 1600 strength(g/20 mm) Adhesion strength 270 190 220 130 (g/25 mm) Left-over glueNone None None Present after peeling

[0513] From the results of Examples 25 to 41 and Comparative Examples 13to 18, it was found that the surface protection adhesive film of thepresent invention is advantageous not only in that it has excellentproperties with respect to anchoring strength and adhesion strength, butalso in that, even when the surface protection adhesive film is adheredonto a surface of an object, and the object carrying the film is allowedto stand for a long period of time, followed by peeling off of the filmfrom the object, there is no occurrence of a left-over glue on theobject. EXAMPLES AND COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE CONCERNING THE ADHESIVECOMPOSITION

[0514] (1) Modified Block Copolymer

[0515] The modified block copolymers used are as shown in Table 13.TABLE 13 First-order modification Ratio of Second-order unmodifiedmodification First-order block copolymer Hydrogenation Second-orderBlock modifier fractions Hydrogenation Hydrogenation Molecular weightmodifier Modification copolymer (mol/Li) (wt %) catalyst ratio (%) (Mw)(×10,000) (mol/Li) method First-order 1P-22 P-11 M2 (0.7) 35 — 0  6.0(about 45%) — — modification 19.5 (about 55%) 1P-23 P-11 SiCl₄ (0.25) —— 0  6.0 (about 35%) — — 19.5 (about 65%) 1P-24 P-12 M2 (2.5) 20 I 469.0 — — 1P-25 P-13 M1 (1.0) 10 II 98 6.0 — — Second-order 2P-12 1P-25 —— — — — D1 (2.1) Solution modification method

[0516] (2) Measurement of the Properties of Adhesive Composition

[0517] a. Softening Temperature

[0518] The softening temperature is measured in accordance withJIS-K2207 (ring-and-ball method).

[0519] In addition, an adhesive composition in a molten state just afterthe production thereof is coated onto a polyester film by means of anapplicator so as to have a thickness of 50 μm, thereby preparing anadhesive tape sample. With respect to the adhesive tape sample, theproperties are measured by the following methods.

[0520] b. Adhesion strength (g/10 mm): An adhesive tape sample having awidth of 25 mm is adhered onto a stainless steel plate, and then peeledoff therefrom under conditions wherein the temperature is 20° C., therelative humidity (RH) is 65%, the peeling rate is 300 mm/min, and thepeeling angle is 180°. The force required for peeling off the sample ismeasured, and expressed as a value corresponding to the case wherein thesample has a width of 10 mm.

[0521] c. Shear adhesion (minute): The shear adhesion is measured inaccordance with JIS Z-1524. An adhesive tape sample which has anadhesive composition layer having an area of 25 mm×25 mm is provided,and the adhesive tape sample is adhered onto a stainless steel plate.Then, the adhered tape is pulled, at 60° C. under a load of 1 kg, in adirection parallel to the surface of the stainless steel plate, and thetime required for the adhered tape to be slipped off from the stainlesssteel plate is measured.

[0522] d. Peeling strength: An adhesive tape sample having a thicknessof about 100 μm is preheated on a substrate plate at 150° C. for 5minutes, and then pressed onto the substrate plate (load: 1 kg/cm²) at150° C. for 5 minutes so as to adhere the tape onto the substrate plate.With respect to the resultant structure, the peeling strength ismeasured in accordance with JISK6854 (peel test) at a peeling rate of200 mm/min.

Examples 42 to 45 and Comparative Example 19

[0523] In Examples 42 to 45 and Comparative Example 19, adhesivecompositions were produced in accordance with the formulations indicatedin Table 14. Predetermined amounts of the tackfier, Diana process oilPW90 (manufactured and sold by Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd., Japan) as asoftening agent, and second-order modifier, as well as 100 parts byweight of the first-order modified block copolymer, were mixed togetherto obtain a mixture. To the obtained mixture was added, as a stabilizer,2-t-butyl-6-(3-t-butyl-2-hydroxy-5-methylbenzyl)-4-methylphenylacrylatein an amount of 1 part by weight. The resultant mixture was melt-kneadedby means of a vessel equipped with a stirrer at 180° C. for 2 hours,thereby obtaining an adhesive composition. The properties of theobtained adhesive compositions are shown in Table 14 together with theformulations of the adhesive compositions.

Example 46

[0524] In Example 46, an adhesive composition was produced in the samemanner as in Examples 42 to 45 except that the formulation was changedas indicated in Table 14. The properties of the adhesive compositionproduced are shown in Table 14 together with the formulation of theadhesive composition. TABLE 14 Block Tackfier Second-order modifierAmount of Softening Adhesion Shear copolymer (note 1) Amount softeningtemperature strength adhesion Type Amount Type Amount Type (note 2)(note 3) agent (° C.) (gf/10 mm) (min) Ex. 42 1P-22 100 Tackfier 1 250Second-order 0.5 60  98 1980 15 modifier 1 Comp. 1P-23 100 Tackfier 1250 Second-order 0.5 60  78 1450  7 Ex. 19 modifier 1 Ex. 43 1P-22 100Tackfier 1 250 Second-order 0.5 60 100 2010 18 modifier 2 Ex. 44 1P-24100 Tackfier 2 250 Second-order 2   60 100 2020 24 modifier 2 Ex. 451P-25 100 Tackfier 2 250 Second-order 2   60  98 1760 30 modifier 2 Ex.46 2P-12 100 Tackfier 2 300 (note 4) (note 4) 100  103 1930 35

EXAMPLES AND COMPARATIVE EXAMPLES CONCERNING THE ASPHALT COMPOSITION

[0525] (1) Modified Block Copolymer

[0526] The modified block copolymers used are as shown in Table 15.TABLE 15 First-order modification Ratio of unmodified Second-order blockmodification First-order copolymer Hydrogenation Molecular Second-orderBlock modifier fractions Hydrogenation Hydrogenation weight (Mw)modifier Modification copolymer (mol/Li) (wt %) catalyst ratio (%)(×10,000) (mol/Li) method First-order 1P-26 P-14 M3 (1.0) 24 — 0   13.4— — modification 1P-27 P-15 M2 (1.0) 23 — 0   13.6 — — 1P-28 P-14 M2(1.0) 23 I 95  14 — — 1P-29 P-16 M4 (1.0) 20 — 0 16 — — 1P-30 P-16 None— — 0 — — — 1P-31 P-17 None — — 0 18 — — 1P-32 P-18 M1 (1.0) 15 — 0 12 —— 1P-33 P-19 M1 (1.0) 25 — 0 13 — — 1P-34 P-20 M1 (1.0) 32 — 0 11 — —Second-order 2P-13 1P-27 — — — — — D1 (2.1) Melt-kneading modificationmethod 2P-14 1P-32 — — — — — D1 (3.5) Solution method 2P-15 1P-33 — — —— — D1 (1.0) Melt-kneading method 2P-16 1P-34 — — — — — D1 (1.0)Melt-kneading method

[0527] (2) Measurement of the Properties of Asphalt Composition

[0528] (a) Softening Temperature

[0529] The softening temperature is measured in accordance withJIS-K2207 (i.e., ring-and-ball method).

[0530] (b) Melt Viscosity

[0531] The melt viscosity is measured by means of a Brookfieldviscometer at 180° C.

[0532] (c) Penetration Ratio

[0533] The penetration ratio of an asphalt composition is measured inaccordance with JIS-K2207. Specifically, a sample of the asphaltcomposition is placed in a thermostatic water bath, and the temperatureof the sample is maintained at 25° C. Then, a prescribed needle iscaused to penetrate into the sample for 5 seconds. The distance overwhich the needle has penetrated into the sample is measured, and isdefined as the penetration ratio.

[0534] (d) Elongation

[0535] The elongation of an asphalt composition is measured inaccordance with JIS-K2207. Specifically, a sample of the asphaltcomposition is poured into a mold to shape the sample into a prescribedform. Then, the shaped sample is placed in a thermostatic water bath,and the temperature of the sample is maintained at 4° C. Then, thesample is pulled at a rate of 5 cm/min until it is broken, and theelongation of the sample at the time of breakage is measured.

[0536] (e) Adhesion Strength

[0537] An asphalt composition is dissolved in toluene, and the resultantsolution is coated onto a canvas using a coater. The coated canvas isdried, first at room temperature for 1 hour, and then at 70° C. in anoven for 7 hours, thereby completely evaporating the toluene from thecoated canvas. Subsequently, the coated canvas is placed in an oventogether with a granite (as an adherend) having a smooth surface, andthe coated canvas and the granite are heated at 70° C. for 1 hour. Then,the coated canvas and the granite are taken out from the oven andrapidly pressed onto each other twice using a roller under a load of 1kg, to thereby adhere the coated canvas onto the granite. The resultantstructure in which the coated canvas is adhered onto the granite, isplaced in a thermostatic chamber at a temperature of 23° C. and arelative humidity (RH) of 65%, and a peeling test (peeling angle: 180°)is performed in which the canvas is peeled off from the granite.

[0538] (f) Flexural Properties at Low Temperatures

[0539] An asphalt composition is poured into a mold having a size of 20mm×20 mm×120 mm, and an excess asphalt composition is cut off. The moldcontaining the asphalt composition is placed in a cryostat, and theasphalt composition in the mold is maintained at −10° C. for 4 hours.Then, the resultant molded product of the asphalt composition is rapidlytaken out of the mold, and is measured with respect to the flexuralstress and the flexural strain (i.e., displacement of the molded productup to the yielding point thereof) by a method in which the moldedproduct is supported at two points thereof which are at a distance(span) of 80 mm from each other, and a load is applied, at a loadingrate of 100 mm/min, to a portion of the molded product which is at amiddle of the 80 mm span.

[0540] (g) High Temperature Storage Stability

[0541] An aluminum can having an inner diameter of 50 mm and a height of130 mm is filled up with an asphalt composition immediately after theproduction of the composition. The aluminum can containing the asphaltcomposition is placed in an oven and heated at 180° C. for 24 hours. Thealuminum can is taken out from the oven and allowed to stand so that theasphalt composition in the aluminum can cools to room temperature. Assamples, upper and lower portions of the resultant solidified asphaltcomposition, which are a 4 cm-thick lower layer at a lower end portionand a 4 cm-thick upper layer at an upper end portion, are taken bycutting. The softening temperatures of both the samples are measured.The difference in softening temperature between the samples is used as ayardstick for high temperature storage stability of the asphaltcomposition.

[0542] (3) Measurement of the Properties of a Drainage Pavement Mixture

[0543] An aggregate comprising approximately 85% by weight of crushedstone No. 6 (crushed stone S-13) (having a particle size in the range offrom 13 to 5 mm), approximately 10% by weight of crushed sand andapproximately 5% by weight of stone dust, is produced, wherein thecomposition of the aggregate is chosen so as to have a void ratio ofapproximately 20%. The aggregate is heated to 170° C., and 5% by weightof an asphalt composition in a molten form is added thereto as a binderand mixed well at 170° C., thereby obtaining a drainage pavement mixturehaving a void ratio of approximately 20%. With respect to the obtainedmixture, the below-mentioned properties are measured. The void ratio isa value calculated from the volume and weight of the drainage pavementmixture.

[0544] (a) Cantabro Test

[0545] The Cantabro test is a test for measuring the resistance of thedrainage pavement mixture to the scattering of aggregate. The Cantabrotest is conducted in accordance with the method described in “HosoShikenho Binran Bessatsu (Zantei Shikenhouho) (Handbook of Pavement TestMethod: separate volume (interim test method)”, published by the JapanRoad Association Corporation, Japan. The curing of the drainage pavementmixture is performed at 0° C. and the test is performed at 18° C.

[0546] (b) Wheel Tracking Test

[0547] The wheel tracking test is a test for measuring the resistance ofthe drainage pavement mixture to morphological change under dynamicstress, in the indoor environment. The wheel tracking test is conductedin accordance with the method described in “Hoso Shikenho BinranBessatsu (Zantei Shikenhouho) (Handbook of Pavement Test Method:separate volume (interim test method)”, published by the Japan RoadAssociation Corporation, Japan. Specifically, a sample having apredetermined size is prepared, and a small rubber wheel having apredetermined load thereon is repeatedly run on the sample. From theamount of morphological change of the sample under load per unit time,the dynamic stability (DS) of the sample is measured. The test isperformed at 60+0.5° C.

Examples 47 to 49 and Comparative Examples 20 and 21

[0548] In Examples 47 to 49 and Comparative Examples 20 and 21, asphaltcompositions were produced in accordance with the formulations indicatedin Table 16.400 g of straight asphalt 60-80 (manufactured and sold byNIPPON OIL COMPANY, LIMITED, Japan) was added to a metal can having avolume of 750 ml. The metal can containing the straight asphalt was putinto an oil bath having a temperature of 180° C. so that the straightasphalt was satisfactorily heated, thereby melting the asphalt. Then, tothe resultant molten asphalt were added predetermined amounts of theblock copolymer and second-order modifier bit by bit while stirring.After completion of addition of the block copolymer and second-ordermodifier, the resultant mixture was stirred at a revolution rate of5,000 rpm for 90 minutes, thereby obtaining an asphalt composition. Theformulations and properties of the obtained compositions are shown inTable 16. In Examples 47 to 49, 1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylic aciddianhydride was used as the second-order modifier. Further, in Example49 and Comparative Example 21, straight asphalt 80-100 (manufactured andsold by NIPPON OIL COMPANY, LIMITED, Japan) was used instead of straightasphalt 60-80. TABLE 16 Comp. Comp. Ex. 47 Ex. 48 Ex. 49 Ex. 20 Ex. 21Block copolymer used 1P-26 1P-27 1P-28 1P-27 1P-28 Amount of blockcopolymer 8 8 8 8 8 (part by weight) Amount of asphalt 100 100 100 100100 (part by weight) Amount of second-order modifier 0.5 0.5 0.5 0 0(part by weight) Softening temperature (° C.) 102 103 102 101 99 Meltviscosity (cP) 270 280 250 280 240 Penetration ratio (1/10 mm) 48 47 4847 49 Elongation (cm) 47 46 40 50 35 Adhesion strength (gf/10 mm) 570580 540 260 250 Flexural stress 44 46 42 34 32 at low temperatures(kgf/cm²) High temperature Difference in 30 29 30 34 33 storagestability softening temperature (° C.)

Example 50 and Comparative Examples 22 and 23

[0549] In Example 50 and Comparative Examples 22 and 23, asphaltcompositions were produced in the same manner as in Example 47 exceptthat the formulations indicated in Table 17 were employed. Theformulations and properties of the asphalt compositions produced areshown in Table 17. TABLE 17 Comp. Comp. Ex. 50 Ex. 22 Ex. 23 Blockcopolymer used 1P-29 1P-30 1P-31 Amount of block copolymer 8 8 8 (partby weight) Amount of asphalt 100 100 100 (part by weight) Amount ofsecond-order modifier 0.5 0 0.5 (part by weight) Softening temperature(° C.) 75 55 53 Melt viscosity (cP) 310 280 300 Penetration ratio (1/10mm) 52 58 60 Elongation (cm) 45 47 50 Adhesion strength (gf/10 mm) 310180 60 Flexural stress 26 18 11 at low temperatures (kgf/cm²) Hightemperature Difference in 27 29 25 storage stability softeningtemperature (° C.)

Example 51

[0550] An asphalt composition was produced in the same manner as inExample 47 except that 2 parts by weight of maleic anhydride was used asthe second-order modifier. The properties of the asphalt composition areshown in Table 18.

Example 52

[0551] An asphalt composition was produced in the same manner as inExample 47 except that block copolymer 2P-13 was used as the blockcopolymer. The properties of the asphalt composition are shown in Table18.

Example 53

[0552] An asphalt composition was produced in the same manner as inExample 47 except that block copolymer 1P-31, straight asphalt 80-100and maleic anhydride were, respectively, used as the block copolymer,asphalt and second-order modifier. The properties of the asphaltcomposition are shown in Table 18.

Example 54

[0553] An asphalt composition was produced in the same manner as inExample 53 except that block copolymer 2P-14 was used as the blockcopolymer. The properties of the asphalt composition are shown in Table18.

Example 55

[0554] An asphalt composition was produced in the same manner as inExample 47 except that tolylene diisocyanate was used as thesecond-order modifier. The properties of the asphalt composition areshown in Table 18.

Example 56

[0555] An asphalt composition was produced in the same manner as inExample 47 except that the following formulation was used: 100 parts byweight of straight asphalt 60-80 (manufactured and sold by NIPPON OILCOMPANY, LIMITED, Japan), 8 parts by weight of second-order modifiedblock copolymer 2P-15 (which had been modified by the solution method),and 0.1 part by weight of sulfur (trade name: “GOLDEN FLOWER” SULFURPOWDER; manufactured and sold by Tsurumi Chemical Co., Japan). Theproperties of the asphalt composition are shown in Table 18. TABLE 18Ex. 51 Ex. 52 Ex. 53 Ex. 54 Ex. 55 Ex. 56 Softening temperature (° C.)104 105 91 92 101 91 Melt viscosity (cP) 290 350 400 430 360 470Penetration ratio (1/10 mm) 46 45 55 50 45 37 Elongation (cm) 48 45 6563 68 81 Adhesion strength (gf/10 mm) 590 630 800 850 600 4130 Flexuralstress 47 51 55 58 45 11.5 at low temperatures (kgf/cm²) (−10° C.) Hightemperature Difference in 28 26 22 29 26 17 storage stability softeningtemperature (° C.)

Example 57

[0556] An asphalt composition was produced in the same manner as inExample 47 except that the following formulation was used: 100 parts byweight of straight asphalt 60-80 (manufactured and sold by NIPPON OILCOMPANY, LIMITED, Japan) and 8 parts by weight of second-order modifiedblock copolymer 2P-16 (which had been modified by the solution method).Then, a drainage pavement mixture was produced using the asphaltcomposition. The properties of the asphalt composition are shown inTable 19 together with the properties of the drainage pavement mixture.

Comparative Example 24

[0557] An asphalt composition and a drainage pavement mixture wereproduced in the same manner as in Example 57 except that unmodifiedblock copolymer P-20 was used instead of second-order modified blockcopolymer 2P-16. The properties of the asphalt composition and drainagepavement mixture are shown in Table 19. TABLE 19 Comp. Ex. 57 Ex. 24Formulation of Amount of block copolymer (part by weight) 8 8 asphaltcomposition Amount of asphalt (part by weight) 100 100 Properties ofSoftening temperature 88 84 asphalt composition (° C.) Melt viscosity(cP) 360 390 Penetration ratio 35 38 (1/10 mm) Elongation (cm) 65 63Properties at low Flexural stress 9.7 6.7 temperatures (−10° C.) (N/mm²)Flexural strain 71 48 (×10⁻³) High temperature Difference in 20 25storage stability softening temperature (° C.) Properties of Cantabrotest Loss ratio (%) 12 33 drainage pavement Wheel tracking test Dynamicstability 7600 6000 mixture (number/mm)

[0558] From the results of Examples 47 to 57 and Comparative Examples 20to 24, it was found that the asphalt composition of the presentinvention is excellent with respect not only to the balance of asphaltproperties but also to high temperature storage stability.

EXAMPLE AND COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE CONCERNING THE CROSSLINKED PRODUCT OFTHE MODIFIED BLOCK COPOLYMER COMPOSITION

[0559] (1) Modified Block Copolymer

[0560] The modified block copolymers used are as shown in Table 20.

[0561] The second-order modified block copolymer (2P-17) used in Example58 was produced as follows. Living polymer P-21 was reacted with amodifier which was 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone (first-order modifier:M1) (i.e., a first-order modification was performed), wherein themodifier was used in an equimolar amount, relative to n-butyllithiumused in the polymerization, thereby obtaining a reaction mixturecontaining the resultant first-order modified block copolymer. Thefirst-order modified block copolymer in the reaction mixture was thensubjected to a hydrogenation reaction. To the resultant hydrogenationreaction mixture was added second-order modifier D1 in an amount of 1mole, relative to one equivalent of the functional group of thefirst-order modified block copolymer, followed by a reaction (i.e., asecond-order modification was performed), thereby obtaining asecond-order modified block copolymer (i.e., 2P-17).

[0562] The first-order modified block copolymer (1P-34) used inComparative Example 25 was produced in the same manner as in theabove-described production of the second-order modified block copolymer2P-17 except that a second-order modification was not performed.

[0563] (2) Components Used for Preparing the crosslinked Product

[0564] Silica: Finely dispersible silica HDK-N200 (manufactured and soldby WACKER ASAHIKASEI SILICONE CO., Ltd., Japan)

[0565] Polypropylene resin: Sun Allomer PC600S (manufactured and sold byMontell SDK Sunrise Ltd., Japan)

[0566] Paraffin oil: Diana process oil PW380 (manufactured and sold byIdemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd., Japan)

[0567] Organic peroxide: PERHEXA 25B (manufactured and sold by NOFCORPORATION, Japan)

[0568] Vulcanizing accelerator: Divinyl benzene

[0569] (3) Measurement of Properties (Tensile Strength (MPa) and TensileElongation (%))

[0570] Tensile properties: The tensile properties are measured inaccordance with JIS K6251 (in which a dumbbell No. 3 is used and thetensile stress rate is 500 mm/min).

Example 58 and Comparative Example 25

[0571] In Example 58 and Comparative Example 25, crosslinked productswere produced in accordance with the formulations indicated in Table 20.20 parts by weight of silica, 48 parts by weight of polypropylene and 72parts by weight of paraffin oil, as well as 100 parts by weight of themodified block copolymer, were mixed together by means of a Henschelmixer. The resultant mixture was melt-kneaded and extruded by means of a30 mmφtwin-screw extruder under conditions wherein the cylindertemperature was 220° C., thereby obtaining a composition. The obtainedcomposition was then subjected to a dynamic crosslinking in thefollowing manner. To the obtained composition was added a vulcanizingagent. The resultant mixture was melt-kneaded and extruded by means of a30 mmφtwin-screw extruder to effect a vulcanization, thereby obtaining acrosslinked product.

[0572] The properties of the obtained crosslinked products are shown inTable 20. TABLE 20 Ex. 58 Comp. Ex. 25 Block copolymer Type of modifiedblock copolymer 2P-17 1P-34 Type of living polymer P-21 P-21 First-orderFirst-order modifier M1 (1.0) M1 (1.0) modification (mol/Li) Ratio ofunmodified 25 25 block copolymer fraction (wt %) Hydro- Hydrogenationcatalyst II II genation Hydrogenation ratio (%) 85 85 Second-orderSecond-order modifier D1 (1.0) — modification (mol/Li) Modificationmethod Melt-kneading — method Formulation of Block copolymer 100 100crosslinked Silica 20 20 product Polypropylene 48 48 (part by weight)Oil PW90 72 72 Organic peroxide 0.5 0.5 Vulcanizing accelerator 4 4Properties of Tensile strength (MPa) 8.5 7.0 crosslinked product Tensileelongation (%) 200 150

Examples 59 to 64

[0573] In Examples 59 to 64, using the first-order modified blockcopolymers and second-order modified block copolymers shown in Table 21,resin compositions were produced in the same manner as in Examples 9 to13 except that the formulations indicated in Table 22 were employed. Theproperties of the resin compositions produced are shown in Table 22together with the formulations of the resin compositions. TABLE 21First-order Second-order modification modification First-orderHydrogenation Molecular Second-order Block Modifier HydrogenationHydrogenation weight (Mw) modifier Modification copolymer (mol/Li)catalyst ratio (%) (×10,000) (mol/Li) method First-order 1P-35 P-22 M1(1.0) II 80 4.6 — — modification 1P-36 P-23 M1 (1.0) II 80 4.1 — —Second-order 2P-18 1P-35 — — — — D1 (2.0) Melt-kneading methodmodification 2P-19 1P-36 — — — — D1 (2.0) Melt-kneading method

[0574] TABLE 22 Formulation (part by weight) Functional group-containingBlock Second-order Flexural Izod impact resin copolymer modifier *1modulus (MPa) strength (J/m) Ex. 59 PET 2P-18 — 1730 340 80 20 Ex. 60PET 2P-19 — 1710 370 80 20 Ex. 61 PET 1P-35 D1 1700 370 80 20 0.06 Ex.62 Polyamide 2P-18 — 1800 620 80 20 Ex. 63 Polyamide 2P-19 — 1780 500 8020 Ex. 64 Polyamide 1P-36 D1 1760 570 80 20 0.06

Examples 65 and 66 and Comparative Example 26

[0575] In Examples 65 and 66 and Comparative Example 26, with respect tothe second-order modified block copolymers shown in Table 23, thepeeling strength was measured as follows. The second-order modifiedblock copolymer was formed into a film having a thickness of about 100μm. The polymer film was preheated on a substrate for 5 minutes at apredetermined temperature indicated in Table 24, and then pressed ontothe substrate (load: 1 kg/cm²) for 5 minutes so as to adhere the filmonto the substrate (wherein an aluminum plate, a PET film and a canvaswere individually used as a substrate). Then, the adhered polymer filmwas peeled off from the substrate at a peeling rate of 200 mm/min.

[0576] The results of the measurement of the peeling strength are shownin Table 24. TABLE 23 First-order Second-order modificationHydrogenation modification Block First-order Hydrogenation HydrogenationSecond-order Modification copolymer modifier (mol/Li) *1 catalyst ratio(%) modifier (mol/Li) method Second-order 2P-20 1P-1  — — — D1 (1.0)Melt-kneading modification method 2P-21 *2 P-1 M4 (1.0) II 98 D1 (1.0)Melt-kneading method 2P-22 *2 P-1 Propylene oxide II 98 D1 (1.0)Melt-kneading (1.0) method

[0577] TABLE 24 Peeling strength (gf/cm) Adhering Aluminum Blocktemperature plate PET film copolymer (° C.) (100 μm) (50 μm) canvas Ex.65 2P-20 150 — 610 — 200 4010 — 4540 Ex. 66 2P-21 150 — 550 — 200 2900 —6330 Comp. 2P-22 150 — 400 — Ex. 26 200 1170 — 3300

Example 67

[0578] A first-order modified block copolymer was produced in the samemanner as in the production of first-order modified block copolymer1P-12 (indicated in Table 5) except that living polymer P-8 was reactedwith a modifier which wasN-(1,3-dimethylbutylidene)-3-(triethoxysilyl)-1-propaneamine (modifierM5), wherein the modifier was used in an equimolar amount, relative ton-butyllithium used in the polymerization. Then, a flame retardantpolymer composition was produced in the same manner as in Example 20except that the above-produced first-order modified block copolymer wasused instead of 1P-12. The produced flame retardant polymer compositionhad the same excellent properties (breaking strength, breakingelongation and oxygen index) as those of the flame retardant polymercomposition obtained in Example 20.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0579] The second-order modified block copolymer-containing polymercomposition comprising the second-order modified block copolymer of thepresent invention as well as a thermoplastic resin and/or a rubberypolymer, exhibits an excellent balance of stiffness and impactresistance. By injection molding, extrusion molding or the like, thispolymer composition can be formed into various shaped articles. Theshaped articles can be advantageously used in various fields, such asthe fields of automobile parts (interior and exterior parts forautomobiles), various containers (such as food packaging), parts forhousehold electrical appliances, parts for medical equipments,industrial parts, toys and the like. Further, by using the second-ordermodified block copolymer in combination with an appropriate componentselected from various components, such as an inorganic filler, atackifier, and an asphalt, there can be obtained a polymer compositionhaving excellent properties suitable for various application fields,depending on the selected component.

1. A modified block copolymer comprising: a base block copolymercomprising at least one polymer block (A) comprised mainly of vinylaromatic hydrocarbon monomer units and at least one polymer block (B)comprised mainly of conjugated diene monomer units, the amounts of saidvinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer units and said conjugated dienemonomer units in said base block copolymer being, respectively, 5 to 95%by weight and 95 to 5% by weight, based on the total weight of saidvinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer units and said conjugated dienemonomer units, and a functional group-containing modifier group bondedto said base block copolymer, said base block copolymer beingunhydrogenated or at least partially hydrogenated, wherein said modifiedblock copolymer is represented by a formula selected from the groupconsisting of the following formulae (1) to (5):

C¹—NR³-D¹,  (3) C¹-D¹, and  (4) E¹-F¹  (5) wherein: A¹ represents a unitwhich is represented by any one of the following formulae (a) and (b):

B¹ represents a unit which is represented by any one of the followingformulae (c) to (e):

C¹ represents a unit which is represented by any one of the followingformulae (f) to (h):

D¹ represents a unit which is represented by the following formula (i):—R⁸—NR³—X¹,  (i) E¹ represents a unit which is represented by thefollowing formula (j): —R⁹—P¹, and  (j) F¹ represents a unit which isrepresented by any one of the following formulae (k) to (m):

wherein: X¹ represents a unit which is represented by any one of thefollowing formulae (n) to (s):

wherein, in the formulae (1) to (3) and (a) to (s): N represents anitrogen atom, Si represents a silicon atom, O represents an oxygenatom, C represents a carbon atom, and H represents a hydrogen atom, P¹represents the base block copolymer, R^(1a) represents a trivalentaliphatic C₁-C₄₈ hydrocarbon group, each of R^(1b), R⁴, R⁸ to R¹⁰ andR¹³ to R²⁰ independently represents a C₁-C₄₈ alkylene group, each of R²,R³ and R¹¹ independently represents a C₁-C₄₈ alkyl group, a C₆-C₄₈ arylgroup, an alkylaryl group comprised of C₁-C₄₈ alkyl and C₆-C₄₈ aryl, anaralkyl group comprised of C₁-C₄₈ alkyl and C₆-C₄₈ aryl, or a C₃-C₄₈cycloalkyl group, wherein each of R^(1a), R^(1b), R³, R⁴, R⁸ to R¹⁰, R¹³to R¹⁵ and R¹⁷ to R²⁰ optionally independently has at least onefunctional group selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group,an epoxy group, an amino group, a silanol group and a C₁-C₂₄alkoxysilane group, each of R⁵ to R⁷ and R¹² independently represents ahydrogen atom, a C₁-C₄₈ alkyl group, a C₆-C₄₈ aryl group, an alkylarylgroup comprised of C₁-C₄₈ alkyl and C₆-C₄₈ aryl, an aralkyl groupcomprised of C₁-C₄₈ alkyl and C₆-C₄₈ aryl, or a C₃-C₄₈ cycloalkyl group,wherein each of R^(1a), R^(1b), R² to R⁴ and R⁸ to R²⁰ optionallyindependently has bonded thereto at least one atom selected from thegroup consisting of an oxygen atom, a nitrogen atom, a sulfur atom, anda silicon atom, said at least one atom being bonded in a form other thana hydroxyl group, an epoxy group, an amino group, a silanol group and analkoxysilane group, and each of t, u, v and x is independently aninteger of 0 or more, provided that both t and u are not simultaneously0, and each of w, y, z and a is independently an integer of 1 or more.2. The modified block copolymer according to claim 1, which isrepresented by the formula (1).
 3. The modified block copolymeraccording to claim 1, which is represented by the formula (2).
 4. Themodified block copolymer according to claim 1, which is represented bythe formula (3).
 5. The modified block copolymer according to claim 1,which is represented by the formula (4).
 6. The modified block copolymeraccording to claim 1, which is represented by the formula (5).
 7. Apolymer composition comprising: 1 to 99% by weight, based on the totalweight of components (I) and (II), of (I) the modified block copolymerof any one of claims 1 to 6, and 99 to 1% by weight, based on the totalweight of components (I) and (II), of (II) at least one polymer selectedfrom the group consisting of a thermoplastic resin and a rubberypolymer.
 8. The polymer composition according to claim 7, wherein saidthermoplastic resin in component (II) is a functional group-containingthermoplastic resin and said rubbery polymer in component (II) is afunctional group-containing rubbery polymer.
 9. The polymer compositionaccording to claim 8, wherein: said functional group-containingthermoplastic resin comprises at least one member selected from thegroup consisting of a polyester resin, a polyamide resin, apolycarbonate resin, a polyurethane resin, a polyphenylene ether resinand a polyoxymethylene resin, and said functional group-containingrubbery polymer comprises at least one member selected from the groupconsisting of an olefin elastomer and a styrene elastomer each of whichcontains at least one functional group selected from the groupconsisting of an acid anhydride group, a carboxyl group, a hydroxylgroup, an epoxy group and an amino group.
 10. A polymer compositioncomprising: 1 to 99% by weight, based on the total weight of components(I-1) and (II), of (I-1) a semimodified block copolymer comprising: abase block copolymer comprising at least one polymer block (A) comprisedmainly of vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer units and at least onepolymer block (B) comprised mainly of conjugated diene monomer units,the amounts of said vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer units and saidconjugated diene monomer units in said base block copolymer being,respectively, 5 to 95% by weight and 95 to 5% by weight, based on thetotal weight of said vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer units and saidconjugated diene monomer units, and a functional group-containingfirst-order modifier group bonded to said base block copolymer, saidbase block copolymer being unhydrogenated or at least partiallyhydrogenated, wherein said semimodified block copolymer (I-1) isrepresented by a formula selected from the group consisting of thebelow-mentioned formulae (6) to (10), 99 to 1% by weight, based on thetotal weight of components (I-1) and (II), of (II) at least one polymerselected from the group consisting of a thermoplastic resin and arubbery polymer, and 0.01 to 20 parts by weight, relative to 100 partsby weight of the total of components (I-1) and (II), of (III) asecond-order modifier having a functional group which is reactive tosaid functional group of said first-order modifier group of saidsemimodified block copolymer (I-1),

C²—NR³-D²,  (8) C²-D², and  (9) E²-F²  (10) wherein: A² represents aunit which is represented by any one of the following formulae (a-1) and(b-1):

B² represents a unit which is represented by the following formula(c-1):

C² represents a unit which is represented by any one of the followingformulae (d-1) and (e-1):

D² represents a unit which is represented by the following formula(f-1): —R⁸—NHR³,  (f-1) E² represents a unit which is represented by thefollowing formula (g-1): —R⁹—P¹, and  (g-1) F² represents a unit whichis represented by any one of the following formulae (h-1) to (j-1):—NH—R¹⁰—Si(OR¹¹)₃,  (h-1)

wherein, in the formulae (6) to (8) and (a-1) to (j-1): N represents anitrogen atom, Si represents a silicon atom, O represents an oxygenatom, C represents a carbon atom, and H represents a hydrogen atom, P¹represents the base block copolymer, R^(1a) represents a trivalentaliphatic C₁-C₄₈ hydrocarbon group, each of R^(1b), R⁴, R⁸ to R¹⁰ andR¹³ to R²⁰ independently represents a C₁-C₄₈ alkylene group, each of R²,R³ and R¹¹ independently represents a C₁-C₄₈ alkyl group, a C₆-C₄₈ arylgroup, an alkylaryl group comprised of C₁-C₄₈ alkyl and C₆-C₄₈ aryl, anaralkyl group comprised of C₁-C₄₈ alkyl and C₆-C₄₈ aryl, or a C₃-C₄₈cycloalkyl group, wherein each of R^(1a), R^(1b), R³, R⁴, R⁸ to R¹⁰ andR¹³ to R¹⁵ optionally independently has at least one functional groupselected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, an epoxy group,an amino group, a silanol group and a C₁-C₂₄ alkoxysilane group, each ofR⁵ to R⁷ and R¹² independently represents a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₄₈alkyl group, a C₆-C₄₈ aryl group, an alkylaryl group comprised of C₁-C₄₈alkyl and C₆-C₄₈ aryl, an aralkyl group comprised of C₁-C₄₈ alkyl andC₆-C₄₈ aryl, or a C₃-C₄₈ cycloalkyl group, wherein each of R^(1a),R^(1b), R² to R⁴ and R⁸ to R¹⁵ optionally independently has bondedthereto at least one atom selected from the group consisting of anoxygen atom, a nitrogen atom, a sulfur atom and a silicon atom, said atleast one atom being bonded in a form other than a hydroxyl group, anepoxy group, an amino group, a silanol group and an alkoxysilane group,and each of t, u, v and x is independently an integer of 0 or more,provided that both t and u are not simultaneously 0, and w is an integerof 1 or more.
 11. The polymer composition according to claim 10, whereinsaid thermoplastic resin in component (II) is a functionalgroup-containing thermoplastic resin and said rubbery polymer incomponent (II) is a functional group-containing rubbery polymer.
 12. Thepolymer composition according to claim 11, wherein: said functionalgroup-containing thermoplastic resin comprises at least one memberselected from the group consisting of a polyester resin, a polyamideresin, a polycarbonate resin, a polyurethane resin, a polyphenyleneether resin and a polyoxymethylene resin, and said functionalgroup-containing rubbery polymer comprises at least one member selectedfrom the group consisting of an olefin elastomer and a styrene elastomereach of which contains at least one functional group selected from thegroup consisting of an acid anhydride group, a carboxyl group, ahydroxyl group, an epoxy group and an amino group.
 13. The polymercomposition according to claim 11 or 12, wherein said functional groupof said second-order modifier (III) is reactive to both said functionalgroup of said first-order modifier group of said semimodified blockcopolymer (I-1) and said functional group of said component (II). 14.The polymer composition according to any one of claims 10 to 13, whereinsaid functional group of said second-order modifier (III) comprises atleast one member selected from the group consisting of a carboxyl group,an acid anhydride group, an isocyanate group, an epoxy group and analkoxysilane group.
 15. A flame retardant polymer compositioncomprising: 100 parts by weight of (I) the modified block copolymer ofany one of claims 1 to 6, 10 to 2000 parts by weight of (VI) aninorganic filler, and 0 to 1000 parts by weight of an olefin polymer.16. A flame retardant polymer composition comprising: 100 parts byweight of the polymer composition of claim 7, and 10 to 2000 parts byweight of (VI) an inorganic filler.
 17. A flame retardant polymercomposition comprising: 100 parts by weight of the polymer compositionof claim 10, and 10 to 2000 parts by weight of (VI) an inorganic filler.18. A crosslinked product obtained by subjecting a crosslinkablematerial to melt-kneading in the presence of a vulcanizing agent, saidcrosslinkable material comprising: 10 to 100% by weight, based on thetotal weight of components (I) and (II), of (I) the modified blockcopolymer of any one of claims 1 to 6, and 90 to 0% by weight, based onthe total weight of components (I) and (II), of (II) at least onepolymer selected from the group consisting of a thermoplastic resin anda rubbery polymer.
 19. A crosslinked product obtained by subjecting thepolymer composition of claim 10 to melt-kneading in the presence of avulcanizing agent.
 20. An adhesive composition comprising: 100 parts byweight of (I) the modified block copolymer of any one of claims 1 to 6,and 20 to 400 parts by weight of (VIII) a tackifier.
 21. An adhesivecomposition comprising: 100 parts by weight of (I-1) a semimodifiedblock copolymer comprising: a base block copolymer comprising at leastone polymer block (A) comprised mainly of vinyl aromatic hydrocarbonmonomer units and at least one polymer block (B) comprised mainly ofconjugated diene monomer units, the amounts of said vinyl aromatichydrocarbon monomer units and said conjugated diene monomer units insaid base block copolymer being, respectively, 5 to 95% by weight and 95to 5% by weight, based on the total weight of said vinyl aromatichydrocarbon monomer units and said conjugated diene monomer units, and afunctional group-containing first-order modifier group bonded to saidbase block copolymer, said base block copolymer being unhydrogenated orat least partially hydrogenated, wherein said semimodified blockcopolymer (I-1) is represented by a formula selected from the groupconsisting of the below-mentioned formulae (6) to (10), 20 to 400 partsby weight of (VIII) a tackifier, and 0.01 to 20 parts by weight of (III)a second-order modifier having a functional group which is reactive tosaid functional group of said first-order modifier group of saidsemimodified block copolymer (I-1),

C²—NR³-D²,  (8) C²-D², and  (9) E²-F²  (10) wherein: A² represents aunit which is represented by any one of the following formulae (a-1) and(b-1):

B² represents a unit which is represented by the following formula(c-1):

C² represents a unit which is represented by any one of the followingformulae (d-1) and (e-1):

D² represents a unit which is represented by the following formula(f-1): —R⁸—NHR³,  (f-1) E² represents a unit which is represented by thefollowing formula (g-1): —R⁹—P¹, and  (g-1) F² represents a unit whichis represented by any one of the following formulae (h-1) to (j-1):—NH—R¹⁰—Si(OR¹¹)₃,  (h-1)

wherein, in the formulae (6) to (8) and (a-1) to (j-1): N represents anitrogen atom, Si represents a silicon atom, O represents an oxygenatom, C represents a carbon atom, and H represents a hydrogen atom, P¹represents the base block copolymer, R^(1a) represents a trivalentaliphatic C₁-C₄₈ hydrocarbon group, each of R^(1b), R⁴, R⁸ to R¹⁰ andR¹³ to R²⁰ independently represents a C₁-C₄₈ alkylene group, each of R²,R³ and R¹¹ independently represents a C₁-C₄₈ alkyl group, a C₆-C₄₈ arylgroup, an alkylaryl group comprised of C₁-C₄₈ alkyl and C₆-C₄₈ aryl, anaralkyl group comprised of C₁-C₄₈ alkyl and C₆-C₄₈ aryl, or a C₃-C₄₈cycloalkyl group, wherein each of R^(1a), R^(1b), R³, R⁴ R⁸ to R¹⁰ andR¹³ to R¹⁵ optionally independently has at least one functional groupselected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, an epoxy group,an amino group, a silanol group and a C₁-C₂₄ alkoxysilane group, each ofR⁵ to R⁷ and R¹² independently represents a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₄₈alkyl group, a C₆-C₄₈ aryl group, an alkylaryl group comprised of C₁-C₄₈alkyl and C₆-C₄₈ aryl, an aralkyl group comprised of C₁-C₄₈ alkyl andC₆-C₄₈ aryl, or a C₃-C₄₈ cycloalkyl group, wherein each of R^(1a),R^(1b), R² to R⁴ and R⁸ to R¹⁵ optionally independently has bondedthereto at least one atom selected from the group consisting of anoxygen atom, a nitrogen atom, a sulfur atom and a silicon atom, said atleast one atom being bonded in a form other than a hydroxyl group, anepoxy group, an amino group, a silanol group and an alkoxysilane group,and each of t, u, v and x is independently an integer of 0 or more,provided that both t and u are not simultaneously 0, and w is an integerof 1 or more.
 22. The adhesive composition according to claim 21,wherein said functional group of said second-order modifier (III)comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of acarboxyl group, an acid anhydride group, an isocyanate group, an epoxygroup and an alkoxysilane group.
 23. An adhesive film for protecting asurface, which is obtained by forming an adhesive layer on a resin film,said adhesive layer comprising an adhesive composition comprising: 100parts by weight of (I) the modified block copolymer of any one of claims1 to 6, and 3 to 200 parts by weight of (VIII) a tackifier.
 24. Anadhesive film for protecting a surface, which is obtained by forming anadhesive layer on a resin film, said adhesive layer comprising anadhesive composition comprising: 100 parts by weight of (I-1) asemimodified block copolymer comprising: a base block copolymercomprising at least one polymer block (A) comprised mainly of vinylaromatic hydrocarbon monomer units and at least one polymer block (B)comprised mainly of conjugated diene monomer units, the amounts of saidvinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer units and said conjugated dienemonomer units in said base block copolymer being, respectively, 5 to 95%by weight and 95 to 5% by weight, based on the total weight of saidvinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer units and said conjugated dienemonomer units, and a functional group-containing first-order modifiergroup bonded to said base block copolymer, said base block copolymerbeing unhydrogenated or at least partially hydrogenated, wherein saidsemimodified block copolymer (I-1) is represented by a formula selectedfrom the group consisting of the below-mentioned formulae (6) to (10), 3to 200 parts by weight of (VIII) a tackifier, and 0.01 to 20 parts byweight of (III) a second-order modifier having a functional group whichis reactive to said functional group of said first-order modifier groupof said semimodified block copolymer (I-1),

C²—NR³-D²,  (8) C²-D², and  (9) E²-F²  (10) wherein: A² represents aunit which is represented by any one of the following formulae (a-1) and(b-1):

B² represents a unit which is represented by the following formula(c-1):

C² represents a unit which is represented by any one of the followingformulae (d-1) and (e-1)

D² represents a unit which is represented by the following formula(f-1): —R⁸—NHR³,  (f-1) E² represents a unit which is represented by thefollowing formula (g-1): —R⁹—P¹, and  (g-1) F² represents a unit whichis represented by any one of the following formulae (h-1) to (j-1):—NH—R¹⁰—Si(OR¹¹)₃,  (h-1)

wherein, in the formulae (6) to (8) and (a-1) to (j-1): N represents anitrogen atom, Si represents a silicon atom, O represents an oxygenatom, C represents a carbon atom, and H represents a hydrogen atom, P¹represents the base block copolymer, R^(1a) represents a trivalentaliphatic C₁-C₄₈ hydrocarbon group, each of R^(1b), R⁴, R⁸ to R¹⁰ andR¹³ to R²⁰ independently represents a C₁-C₄₈ alkylene group, each of R²,R³ and R¹¹ independently represents a C₁-C₄₈ alkyl group, a C₆-C₄₈ arylgroup, an alkylaryl group comprised of C₁-C₄₈ alkyl and C₆-C₄₈ aryl, anaralkyl group comprised of C₁-C₄₈ alkyl and C₆-C₄₈ aryl, or a C₃-C₄₈cycloalkyl group, wherein each of R^(1a), R^(1b), R³, R⁴, R⁸ to R¹⁰ andR¹³ to R¹⁵ optionally independently has at least one functional groupselected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, an epoxy group,an amino group, a silanol group and a C₁-C₂₄ alkoxysilane group, each ofR⁵ to R and R¹² independently represents a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₄₈ alkylgroup, a C₆-C₄₈ aryl group, an alkylaryl group comprised of C₁-C₄₈ alkyland C₆-C₄₈ aryl, an aralkyl group comprised of C₁-C₄₈ alkyl and C₆-C₄₈aryl, or a C₃-C₄₈ cycloalkyl group, wherein each of R^(1a), R^(1b), R²to R⁴ and R⁸ to R¹⁵ optionally independently has bonded thereto at leastone atom selected from the group consisting of an oxygen atom, anitrogen atom, a sulfur atom and a silicon atom, said at least one atombeing bonded in a form other than a hydroxyl group, an epoxy group, anamino group, a silanol group and an alkoxysilane group, and each of t,u, v and x is independently an integer of 0 or more, provided that botht and u are not simultaneously 0, and w is an integer of 1 or more. 25.An asphalt composition comprising: 0.5 to 50 parts by weight of (I) themodified block copolymer of any one of claims 1 to 6, and 100 parts byweight of (IX) an asphalt.
 26. An asphalt composition comprising: 0.5 to50 parts by weight of (I-1) a semimodified block copolymer comprising: abase block copolymer comprising at least one polymer block (A) comprisedmainly of vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer units and at least onepolymer block (B) comprised mainly of conjugated diene monomer units,the amounts of said vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer units and saidconjugated diene monomer units in said base block copolymer being,respectively, 5 to 95% by weight and 95 to 5 t by weight, based on thetotal weight of said vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer units and saidconjugated diene monomer units, and a functional group-containingfirst-order modifier group bonded to said base block copolymer, saidbase block copolymer being unhydrogenated or at least partiallyhydrogenated, wherein said semimodified block copolymer (I-1) isrepresented by a formula selected from the group consisting of thebelow-mentioned formulae (6) to (10), 100 parts by weight of (IX) anasphalt, and 0.01 to 5 parts by weight of (III) a second-order modifierhaving a functional group which is reactive to said functional group ofsaid first-order modifier group of said semimodified block copolymer(I-1),

C²—NR³-D²,  (8) C²-D², and  (9) E²-F²  (10) wherein: A² represents aunit which is represented by any one of the following formulae (a-1) and(b-1):

B² represents a unit which is represented by the following formula(c-1):

C² represents a unit which is represented by any one of the followingformulae (d-1) and (e-1):

D² represents a unit which is represented by the following formula(f-1): —R⁸—NHR³,  (f-1) E² represents a unit which is represented by thefollowing formula (g-1): —R⁹—P¹, and  (g-1) F² represents a unit whichis represented by any one of the following formulae (h-1) to—NH—R¹⁰—Si(OR¹¹)₃,  (h-1)

wherein, in the formulae (6) to (8) and (a-1) to (j-1): N represents anitrogen atom, Si represents a silicon atom, O represents an oxygenatom, C represents a carbon atom, and H represents a hydrogen atom, P¹represents the base block copolymer, R^(1a) represents a trivalentaliphatic C₁-C₄₈ hydrocarbon group, each of R^(1b), R⁴, R⁸ to R¹⁰ andR¹³ to R²⁰ independently represents a C₁-C₄₈ alkylene group, each of R²,R³ and R¹¹ independently represents a C₁-C₄₈ alkyl group, a C₆-C₄₈ arylgroup, an alkylaryl group comprised of C₁-C₄₈ alkyl and C₆-C₄₈ aryl, anaralkyl group comprised of C₁-C₄₈ alkyl and C₆-C₄₈ aryl, or a C₃-C₄₈cycloalkyl group, wherein each of R^(1a), R^(1b), R³, R⁴, R⁸ to R¹⁰ andR¹³ to R¹⁵ optionally independently has at least one functional groupselected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, an epoxy group,an amino group, a silanol group and a C₁-C₂₄ alkoxysilane group, each ofR⁵ to R⁷ and R¹² independently represents a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₄₈alkyl group, a C₆-C₄₈ aryl group, an alkylaryl group comprised of C₁-C₄₈alkyl and C₆-C₄₈ aryl, an aralkyl group comprised of C₁-C₄₈ alkyl andC₆-C₄₈ aryl, or a C₃-C₄₈ cycloalkyl group, wherein each of R^(1a),R^(1b), R² to R⁴ and R⁸ to R¹⁵ optionally independently has bondedthereto at least one atom selected from the group consisting of anoxygen atom, a nitrogen atom, a sulfur atom and a silicon atom, said atleast one atom being bonded in a form other than a hydroxyl group, anepoxy group, an amino group, a silanol group and an alkoxysilane group,and each of t, u, v and x is independently an integer of 0 or more,provided that both t and u are not simultaneously 0, and w is an integerof 1 or more.
 27. A drainage pavement comprising a road and, formedthereon, a drainage pavement layer having a plurality of voids fordrainage, said drainage pavement layer comprising a plurality ofaggregates and a binder, said binder comprising the asphalt compositionof claim
 25. 28. The drainage pavement according to claim 27, whereinsaid drainage pavement layer has a void ratio of 5 to 35%.
 29. Adrainage pavement comprising a road and, formed thereon, a drainagepavement layer having a plurality of voids for drainage, said drainagepavement layer comprising a plurality of aggregates and a binder, saidbinder comprising the asphalt composition of claim
 26. 30. The drainagepavement according to claim 29, wherein said drainage pavement layer hasa void ratio of 5 to 35%.
 31. A method for producing the modified blockcopolymer of claim 1, comprising: (1) providing a first-order modifiedblock copolymer comprising: a base block copolymer comprising at leastone polymer block (A) comprised mainly of vinyl aromatic hydrocarbonmonomer units and at least one polymer block (B) comprised mainly ofconjugated diene monomer units, the amounts of said vinyl aromatichydrocarbon monomer units and said conjugated diene monomer units insaid base block copolymer being, respectively, 5 to 95% by weight and 95to 5% by weight, based on the total weight of said vinyl aromatichydrocarbon monomer units and said conjugated diene monomer units, and afunctional group-containing first-order modifier group bonded to saidbase block copolymer, said base block copolymer being unhydrogenated orat least partially hydrogenated, wherein said first-order modified blockcopolymer is produced by a process in which a base block copolymerhaving a living terminal is produced by a living anionic polymerization,and a functional group-containing first-order modifier isaddition-bonded to said living terminal of said base block copolymer toobtain a first-order modified block copolymer, optionally followed bypartial or complete hydrogenation of the obtained first-order modifiedblock copolymer, wherein said first-order modified block copolymer isrepresented by a formula selected from the group consisting of thebelow-mentioned formulae (6) to (10), and (2) reacting said first-ordermodified block copolymer with a second-order modifier, wherein saidsecond-order modifier has a functional group which is reactive to saidfunctional group of said first-order modifier group of said first-ordermodified block copolymer, and wherein said second-order modifier is usedin an amount of 0.3 to 10 moles, relative to one equivalent of saidfunctional group of said first-order modifier group of said first-ordermodified block copolymer, thereby obtaining a second-order modifiedblock copolymer,

C²—NR³-D²,  (8) C²-D², and  (9) E²-F²  (10) wherein: A² represents aunit which is represented by any one of the following formulae (a-1) and(b-1):

B² represents a unit which is represented by the following formula(c-1):

C² represents a unit which is represented by any one of the followingformulae (d-1) and (e-1):

D² represents a unit which is represented by the following formula(f-1): —R⁸_NHR³,  (f-1) E² represents a unit which is represented by thefollowing formula (g-1): —R⁹—P¹, and  (g-1) F² represents a unit whichis represented by any one of the following formulae (h-1) to (j-1)—NH—R¹⁰—Si(OR¹ 1)₃,  (h-1)

wherein, in the formulae (6) to (8) and (a-1) to (j-1): N represents anitrogen atom, Si represents a silicon atom, O represents an oxygenatom, C represents a carbon atom, and H represents a hydrogen atom, P¹represents the base block copolymer, R^(1a) represents a trivalentaliphatic C₁-C₄₈ hydrocarbon group, each of R^(1b), R⁴, R⁸ to R¹⁰ andR¹³ to R²⁰ independently represents a C₁-C₄₈ alkylene group, each of R²,R³ and R¹¹ independently represents a C₁-C₄₈ alkyl group, a C₆-C₄₈ arylgroup, an alkylaryl group comprised of C₁-C₄₈ alkyl and C₆-C₄₈ aryl, anaralkyl group comprised of C₁-C₄₈ alkyl and C₆-C₄₈ aryl, or a C₃-C₄₈cycloalkyl group, wherein each of R^(1a), R^(1b), R³ R⁴, R⁸ to R¹⁰ andR¹³ to R¹⁵ optionally independently has at least one functional groupselected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, an epoxy group,an amino group, a silanol group and a C₁-C₂₄ alkoxysilane group, each ofR⁵ to R⁷ and R¹² independently represents a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₄₈alkyl group, a C₆-C₄₈ aryl group, an alkylaryl group comprised of C₁-C₄₈alkyl and C₆-C₄₈ aryl, an aralkyl group comprised of C₁-C₄₈ alkyl andC₆-C₄₈ aryl, or a C₃-C₄₈ cycloalkyl group, wherein each of R^(1a),R^(1b), R² to R⁴ and R⁸ to R¹⁵ optionally independently has bondedthereto at least one atom selected from the group consisting of anoxygen atom, a nitrogen atom, a sulfur atom and a silicon atom, said atleast one atom being bonded in a form other than a hydroxyl group, anepoxy group, an amino group, a silanol group and an alkoxysilane group,and each of t, u, v and x is independently an integer of 0 or more,provided that both t and u are not simultaneously 0, and w is an integerof 1 or more.
 32. The method according to claim 31, wherein, in step(1), after the addition-bonding of the functional group-containingfirst-order modifier to said living terminal of said base blockcopolymer, the resultant first-order modified block copolymer is reactedwith an active hydrogen-containing compound, wherein, when said optionalhydrogenation of the first-order modified block copolymer is performed,said reaction with an active hydrogen-containing compound is performedprior to or simultaneously with said hydrogenation.